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WO2025046238A2 - Dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol - Google Patents

Dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025046238A2
WO2025046238A2 PCT/GB2024/052263 GB2024052263W WO2025046238A2 WO 2025046238 A2 WO2025046238 A2 WO 2025046238A2 GB 2024052263 W GB2024052263 W GB 2024052263W WO 2025046238 A2 WO2025046238 A2 WO 2025046238A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
aerosol
user
aerosol generating
moveable component
arrangement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/GB2024/052263
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2025046238A3 (fr
Inventor
Mark HARRIMAN
Matthew Hodgson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB2313170.9A external-priority patent/GB202313170D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2313166.7A external-priority patent/GB202313166D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2313176.6A external-priority patent/GB202313176D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2313171.7A external-priority patent/GB202313171D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB2313168.3A external-priority patent/GB202313168D0/en
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of WO2025046238A2 publication Critical patent/WO2025046238A2/fr
Publication of WO2025046238A3 publication Critical patent/WO2025046238A3/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/30—Devices using two or more structurally separated inhalable precursors, e.g. using two liquid precursors in two cartridges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an aerosol provision device.
  • Aerosol provision devices and systems are known. Common systems are activated by a user to create an aerosol by an aerosol provision device from an aerosol generating material which is then inhaled by the user.
  • the device may provide an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the device.
  • Some devices have more than one aerosol generating material within the device to offer users a range of aerosols for inhalation. It can be desirable for the user to control the ability of the device to provide aerosol. This may be to allow a user control over the selection of aerosol provided by the device, in turn this may increase the user experience of the device.
  • Different forms of aerosol selection and control are provided in common systems however the present invention is directed toward solving shortcomings of modern solutions.
  • an aerosol provision device comprising: a first portion and a second portion; the first portion comprising a power arrangement, an engagement arrangement and a mouthpiece portion through which aerosol within the first portion can pass; the second portion comprising an aerosol generating arrangement, an engagement arrangement and a mouthpiece portion through which aerosol within the second portion can pass; wherein the engagement arrangement of the first portion is arranged to engage with the engagement arrangement of the second portion, and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to be in a first activation mode when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is not engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion, and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to be in a second activation mode when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • the first activation mode is an inoperable mode
  • the second activation mode is an operable mode
  • the first portion further comprises an aerosol generating arrangement, wherein, in an inoperable mode, the aerosol provision device is arranged to not provide an aerosol to a user, wherein, in an operable mode, at least one of the first portion and second portion are arranged to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • the first portion in a first operable mode, provides a first aerosol for a user through the mouthpiece portion of the first portion, in a second operable mode, the second portion provides a second aerosol for a user through the mouthpiece portion of the second portion, in a third operable mode, the first portion provides a first aerosol for a user through the mouthpiece portion of the first portion and the second portion provides a second aerosol for a user through the mouthpiece portion of the second portion.
  • the aerosol provision device further comprises control circuitry arranged to selectively control activation of the first operable mode, second operable mode and third operable mode.
  • the first activation mode is a partial operable mode
  • the second activation mode is a full operable mode
  • the first portion further comprises an aerosol generating arrangement
  • the second portion further comprises a power arrangement
  • the aerosol provision device in a partial operable mode, is arranged to provide: a first aerosol for a user from the first portion through the mouthpiece portion of the first portion; and/or a second aerosol for a user from the second portion through the mouthpiece portion of the second portion, wherein, in a full operable mode, the aerosol provision device is arranged to provide: a first aerosol for a user from the first portion through the mouthpiece portion of the first portion; a second aerosol for a user from the second portion through the mouthpiece portion of the second portion; and/or a combined first-second aerosol for a user from the first portion and the second portion.
  • the device further comprises control circuitry arranged to selectively control activation of the partial operable mode and the full operable mode.
  • the engagement arrangement of the first portion and the engagement arrangement of the second portion are arranged to engage by at least one of: snap fit; interference fit; corresponding magnetic portions; and a series of corresponding projections and recesses.
  • At least one of the engagement arrangement of the first portion and the engagement arrangement of the second portion further comprises a release switch arranged to provide controllable disengagement between the engagement arrangement of the first portion and the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • the first portion and the second portion comprise communication circuitry arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.
  • the first portion comprises a power transfer arrangement to transfer power from the power arrangement to the aerosol generating arrangement of the second portion.
  • the mouthpiece portion of the first portion and the mouthpiece portion of the second portion are arranged to abut when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • the first portion further comprises an activation button
  • the second portion further comprises an activation button
  • the activation button of the first portion and the activation button of the second portion are arranged to abut when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • a consumable for an aerosol generator comprising: a portion comprising a power arrangement, an engagement arrangement and a mouthpiece portion through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; wherein the engagement arrangement of the consumable is arranged to engage with an engagement arrangement of a second consumable, the consumable arranged to be in a first activation mode, and when engaged with a second consumable, arranged to be in a second activation mode.
  • the first activation mode is an inoperable mode
  • the second activation mode is an operable mode
  • the consumable in an inoperable mode, is arranged to not provide an aerosol to a user, and, in an operable mode, at least one of the first consumable and second consumable are arranged to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • an aerosol generating system comprising the consumable of the above embodiment; at least one heater for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material contained in the consumable and the second consumable.
  • a method of providing an aerosol comprising: engaging a first consumable with a second consumable; selecting an aerosol from at least one of the first consumable and the second consumable; providing a selected aerosol from at least one of the first consumable and the second consumable; and, not providing an aerosol from the first consumable and the second consumable when the first consumable and second consumable are not engaged.
  • Figure l is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples
  • Figure 4 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples
  • Figure 5 is a schematic view of portion D of the aerosol provision of Figure 4;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic view of a consumable according to some examples.
  • Figure 9 is a flow chat of a method according to some examples.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 12 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 13 is a schematic transverse view of a portion of an aerosol provision device and a schematic transverse view of a portion of a moveable component according to some examples;
  • Figure 14 is a schematic view of portion C of the aerosol provision of Figure 12;
  • Figure 15 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figures 17a and 17b are schematic views of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 18 is a flow chat of a method according to some examples.
  • Figure 19 is a schematic view of a modern aerosol provision
  • Figure 20 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 21 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 22 is a schematic view of portion X of the aerosol provision of Figure 21;
  • Figure 24 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 28 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 29 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 30 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 31 is a schematic view of a portion of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 32 is a flow chat of a method according to some examples.
  • Figure 33 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 34 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 35 is a schematic view of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figures 36a and 36b are schematic views of an aerosol provision device according to some examples.
  • Figure 37 is a flow chat of a method according to some examples.
  • aerosol provision systems which may also be referred to as aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes.
  • aerosol provision systems such as e-cigarettes.
  • e-cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol provision system / device and electronic aerosol provision system / device.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 100 according to the present invention.
  • the aerosol provision device 100 has at least one inlet 102a, 102b through which air can enter the device 100.
  • the aerosol provision device 100 has at least one outlet 104 through which aerosol within the device 100 can pass.
  • the device 100 has a first flow channel 106a arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 102a and at least one outlet 104.
  • the device 100 has a first flow sensor 110 arranged within a portion of the first flow channel 106a.
  • the device 100 has a second flow channel 106b arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 102b and at least one outlet 104.
  • the device 100 has a second flow sensor 120 arranged within a portion of the second flow channel 106b.
  • the device 100 comprises a first indicator 112.
  • the first indicator 112 is related to the first flow sensor 110 and is arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the first flow sensor 110.
  • the first flow sensor 110 may be connected to the first indicator 112 via wired or wireless communication and may be connected via control circuitry or the like.
  • the device 100 comprises a second indicator 122.
  • the second indicator 122 is related to the second flow sensor 120 and is arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the second flow sensor 120.
  • the second flow sensor 120 may be connected to the second indicator 122 via wired or wireless communication and may be connected via control circuitry or the like.
  • the first indicator 112 and second indicator 122 may be any element arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the corresponding flow sensors.
  • the indicators are therefore able to inform the user as to which flow channel is being operated during use of the device 100.
  • the arrangement in Figure 1 therefore provides a fail-safe against the user using the wrong flow channel unintentionally. In this way, the device 100 of Figure 1 improves the user experience of the device 100 and reduces unintentional activation of the device 100 and therefore improves the lifetime of the device 100 reducing wastage and number of discarded devices 100.
  • the arrangement of Figure 1 is an example.
  • the device may have more than one outlet.
  • the arrangement of such a device may include two outlets, which may be arranged within two mouthpieces.
  • the device may be a “double ended” device such that the user is able to inhale on one end for a first aerosol from the first channel and on the other end for a second aerosol from the second channel.
  • the flow channels share at least a portion of the other flow channel towards the outlet 104 end of the device where the channels converge.
  • the channels may alternatively be entirely separate (as may be the case with a double-ended device). Where the channels are entirely separate, there is at least one inlet and one outlet for each channels, i.e. for two channels there are two inlets and two outlets.
  • FIG 2 there is shown a schematic of a device 200.
  • the device 200 has a number of features as per the features in device 100 shown in Figure 1. Same features or features providing the same function (or similar function) are shown with their numerals increased by 100.
  • Device 200 has an inlet 202 that leads to flow channels 206a, 206b.
  • the flow channels 206a, 206b end with outlet 204.
  • Outlet 204 is located in a mouthpiece portion 240.
  • the device 200 has flow sensors 210, 220 for flow channels 206a, 260b respectively.
  • the example of Figure 2 therefore has the flow channels sharing a portion of the flow channel at both the start (near and including inlet 202) and at the end (near and including outlet 204). This arrangement therefore differs to the arrangement of Figure 1 in at least this aspect.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown a schematic of a device 300.
  • the device 300 has a number of features as per the features in device 200 shown in Figure 2. Same features or features providing the same function (or similar function) are shown with their numerals increased by 100.
  • the example shown in Figure 3 has a moveable component 330.
  • the moveable component 330 may be moved to block flow channels in the device 300.
  • the moveable component 300 may be arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions.
  • the predetermined positions comprise at least a first position and a second position.
  • the moveable component 330 In a first position, the moveable component 330 at least partially blocks the first flow channel 306a. In a second position, the moveable component 330 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 306b. When a flow channel is blocked, airflow cannot move through the channel. In this way, the flow sensor associated with that flow channel is not activated and the indicator associated with that flow sensor will not provide an indication.
  • Figure 3 shows the moveable component 330 comprises a portion of flow channel 331.
  • the moveable component 330 may be moved as per arrow A.
  • Arrow A shows a rotational motion around a longitudinal axis of the device 300. Any movement is possible. Rotational movement may be easy for users to provide.
  • the channel portion 331 moves as well, though in practice this can be represented by the double ended arrow C.
  • the channel can therefore be aligned with either flow channel 306a or flow channel 306b (or with neither).
  • Moving the moveable component can be used to prevent activation of the first and/or second flow sensors 310, 320. Moving the moveable component 330 to block a channel prevents airflow through that channel during inhalation on the outlet 304 which prevents activation of the indicator.
  • any other flow channel e.g. first channel 306a
  • the sensor of the relevant channel will detect airflow and the indicator associated with that sensor will indicate to the user the channel that has been activated.
  • the device disclosed herein may have a number of channels and movement of the moveable component may unblock one (or more) channel at a time. In an arrangement where only one channel is unblocked, all others may be at least partially blocked. In this way, the user is provided with an airflow from one channel. Where airflow mays be combined, the moveable component may be arranged to provide multiple airflows to a user.
  • the user may receive indications from any of the relevant indicators of the device.
  • FIG 4 there is shown a schematic of a device 400.
  • the device 400 has a number of features as per the features in device 300 shown in Figure 3. Same features or features providing the same function (or similar function) are shown with their numerals increased by 100.
  • Figure 4 shows a device 400 with an inlet 402 and an outlet 404.
  • the flow channels 406a, 406b are the same as per Figure 3.
  • the example of Figure 4 further comprises a first aerosol generating material containing region 450 arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material.
  • Device 400 also comprises a second aerosol generating material containing region 460 arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material. These regions may be arranged to receive aerosol generating material from a user in any suitable form. These regions may be arranged to receive a cartridge or the like.
  • the user moves the moveable component to partially block certain flow channels and unblock at least one channel (prior to use).
  • the user may move the moveable component to a locked state or non-active state or the like where no flow channels are open. With at least one flow channel open, the user may inhale on the outlet 404 as part of mouthpiece 440.
  • Air enters the device 400 via inlet 402 and travels through the flow channel and corresponding flow sensor. The corresponding indicator is activated and the air then passes through the aerosol generating material containing region to receive a flavour or the like from the aerosol generating material contained therein.
  • the user is therefore informed by the indicator which aerosol generating material region is selected and that therefore the user is to receive an aerosol from that material. This improves the user experience of the device and further prevents accidental use of a flavour that the user may not be suitable for (such as allergies or due to age restriction).
  • the device may further comprise control circuitry (not shown) for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region 450 and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region 460.
  • the control circuitry may be arranged to provide a signal to the first indicator 412 relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region 450 and, in the second position (wherein the second flow channel is at least partially blocked), the first indicator 412 is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region 450. The user is therefore informed of the material in the first aerosol generating material containing region 450.
  • control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the second indicator 422 relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region 460 and, in the first position, (wherein the first flow channel is at least partially blocked) the second indicator 422 is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region 460.
  • the device 400 may operate to provide an indication to the user prior to inhalation.
  • the relevant indicators i.e. those in channels that are “open”, in this example linking the inlet 402 to the outlet 404
  • the relevant indicators will provide an indication to the user based on the material contained within the aerosol generating material containing region.
  • a first aerosol generating material such as nicotine containing material
  • a second aerosol generating material such as a menthol containing material
  • the indication may be provided when the moveable component is moved into a predetermined position or during inhalation on the device (i.e. in response to signals from the flow sensors).
  • the indicators may take any form.
  • the indicators may provide any indication, such as a haptic, visual or audio indication.
  • the first indicator comprises an electronic portion, the electronic portion arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication to the user when the moveable component is in the second position (i.e. at least partially blocking the second flow channel).
  • the second indicator may comprise an electronic portion, the electronic portion arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication to the user when the moveable component is in the first position ((i.e. at least partially blocking the first flow channel). The arrangement does not require inhalation of the user for indicators to activate.
  • the selection of the first aerosol generating material containing region may be indicated with a first visual indication, such as red or yellow, while selection of the second aerosol generating material may be indicated by violet or cyan.
  • the first visual indication may have a wavelength of around 560 nm to around 750 nm and the second visual indication may have a wavelength of around 380 nm to around 510 nm. It may be advantageous not to include greens due to lack of differentiating for some colour blind users.
  • the wavelengths may be programmable or customisable by the user via a GUI or remote control (e.g. via an app) of the device.
  • the indications provided to the user may be different lengths and may be continuous or not. Using a varying length of time of indication will assist in differentiating the indicators for users that cannot recognise colour (e.g. fully colour blind users).
  • the first aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region may be a nicotine containing material and may have a corresponding indication of one second continuous visual indication of red light.
  • the second aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region may have a corresponding indication of four seconds pulsing visual indication of blue light.
  • the speed of the pulses may vary. Fast pulses may have a number of pulses per second while slow pulses may be on for 0.5 seconds and then off for 0.5 seconds. Pulsed lights attract human attention more than steady lights and as such it may be advantageous to improve engagement and awareness of the indicators by using pulsing light signals.
  • the flow sensors may be microphones or the like that are able to detect an airflow or a change in pressure.
  • the indicators may (each) comprise a light emitting diode, LED, and a light guide, wherein the LED is arranged towards the microphone.
  • the LED may be able to be activated by a power source that activates the microphone and the light signal from the LED may be transmitted to a suitable portion of the device via the light guide.
  • the indicators may share a power source to simplify the manufacturing of the device.
  • the device disclosed herein may have a heating element for providing an aerosol.
  • the heating element arranged to provide a first aerosol in the first flow channel and a second aerosol in the second flow channel.
  • the device may have a heating element arranged to heat both the first aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and the second aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the device may have a plurality of heating elements for providing an aerosol.
  • the first aerosol generating material containing region may have a heating element for providing an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material and the second aerosol generating material containing region may have a heating element for providing an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the arrangement of the flow sensors, indicators and heating elements may be such that power can be shared or power connections can be minimised.
  • the indicators e.g. LEDs
  • flow sensors may be arranged close to the heaters and light guides used to allow light signals to be provided to users at another location of the device.
  • FIG 5 there is shown a schematic view of a portion of the device of Figure 4, specifically the dashed box D.
  • an arrangement 500 of a device portion including a moveable component for preventing the moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions within a device has an aerosol provision device housing 510.
  • the array of predetermined positions 520 has a first predetermined position 522, a second predetermined position 524, a third predetermined position 526, and a fourth predetermined position 528.
  • the moveable component may have a projection that enters a recess located at each of the predetermined positions 520.
  • the moveable component may have a resilient member arranged to extend into a recess at a predetermined position 520 when suitably aligned or arranged to bias a projection (or electrical contact) into a recess when suitably aligned.
  • the projection may comprise a resilient member to bias the projection into the recess when the moveable component reaches a predetermined position during movement.
  • the projection may be a spring and ball bearing or the like.
  • the moveable component may comprise the projection or the recess or an arrangement chosen to mirror the arrangements of the device so that the predetermined positions are moved to and securely selectable by a user.
  • the flow path through the first flow channel is prevented, thereby supplying the user with airflow through the second flow channel.
  • the flow path through the second flow channel is prevented, thereby supplying the user with airflow through the first flow channel.
  • the user is able to safely, reliably and easily move the moveable component into a predetermined position 520.
  • the arrangement 500 has a pair of stoppers 530.
  • the stoppers 532, 534 prevent the moveable component from moving beyond the predetermined positions 520.
  • the stoppers 532, 534 may physically (or otherwise) prevent the movement of a projection or a resilient member and therefore provide feedback to the user that further movement in the same direction is not permitted.
  • the stoppers 530 may be arranged adjacent, or reasonably proximal to, the outermost predetermined positions 522, 528 (in the example of Figure 5). The use of a stopper, or stoppers, improves the overall safety of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein.
  • the stoppers 530 may be arranged to limit movement to a specific number of degrees of rotation (for example) or a certain distance of translation or insertion. In some examples, stoppers 530 may prevent movement beyond a certain amount of degrees of the moveable component.
  • the stoppers 530 and the predetermined positions may demonstrate latching behaviour when interacting with the moveable component to help inform the user of the allowed range of movements of the moveable component. This increases the safety and reliability of the device, by reducing the likelihood of a user moving the moveable component too far and potentially damaging the device. Preventing over-rotation has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of leakage from the device. As such, stoppers are advantageous for this reason.
  • the moveable component has a first position 180 degrees away from the second position. In this way, the selection between the first or second aerosol is clear for a user. The greater separation between the two positions, the decreased likelihood of a user accidentally selecting a non-desired flow channel for inhalation. Decreasing this likelihood increases the user experience of the device.
  • the moveable component is further arranged to move to a third position, wherein the third position is a predetermined position (which may be deemed a latched position due to the interaction of projection and recesses) wherein the aerosol provision device is in an inoperable mode, i.e. a locked state.
  • the moveable component may be moved to a third position (such as 526 from Figure 5).
  • the moveable component is latched, i.e. the moveable component is secured and at least slightly prevented from moving away from this position.
  • Such latching may occur by aligning of a resilient member or projection and a recess or the like.
  • the resilient member/proj ection projects into the recess and some additional mechanical effort is required to move the moveable component out of the recess and into a further predetermined position, such as position 528. This may provide the device with an “off’ position into which the device can be put after the conclusion of a smoking session.
  • the device When the moveable component is moved to the third position, the device may be inoperable, for example this may be in a sleep mode or a locked mode or an “off’ mode or the like. In this position, the moveable component may block at least one flow channel. In this position, the moveable component may block some portion of all flow channels in the device, to prevent an aerosol from being provided to a user. While in one of these modes (lock, sleep, etc), the user cannot receive an aerosol from the device without changing the mode. The user may change the mode by moving the moveable component into a different predetermined position. Any predetermined position may be a latched position, i.e. a position from which additional effort is required from the user to move out of the predetermined position.
  • position 540 there are positions between the predetermined positions indicated 520, such as position 540.
  • position 540 is not considered a predetermined position 520 as the moveable component will not latch into place in position 540.
  • the positions that are not “predetermined positions” are not intended for the user to move the moveable component to and then leave the moveable component in. As such, moving the moveable component from a non-predetermined effort requires no additional effort from the user.
  • the aerosol provision device is configured to be in an inoperable mode when the movable component is in a non-predetermined position.
  • the moveable component will not appropriately block or not block flow channels in the device in a predetermined manner.
  • the device may either provide an aerosol that has not been predetermined by the manufacturer, or not provide an aerosol at all. This would lead to a poor user experience.
  • Non-predetermined therefore means nonpredetermined by the manufacturer when the device is designed and provided for use.
  • the moveable component is arranged to provide tactile feedback when in a predetermined position. In this way, the user may be informed when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and can be expected to operate in a predetermined manner. As the movement of the moveable component affects the aerosol provided by the device, inaccurate positioning of the moveable component may result in poor aerosol delivery, whether by inaccurate blocking of flow channels or poor alignment of electrical connections or the like. As such, the user experience of the device may be improved by providing some form of feedback to the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Such an arrangement also increases the reliability of the overall device.
  • the feedback may be visible, this may be provided by an arrangement of projections and recesses (the tactile aspect of a projection slotting into the recess), or may be electrical, for example a sensor may provide a visual or audible indication when the moveable component is in a predetermined position.
  • a visual indication may be provided by indicator 553.
  • the device has a device housing for housing the components of the device.
  • the housing may comprise indicators indicating the locations of the predetermined positions.
  • Such indicators may be graphics on the housing that may be arrow heads, which can be aligned with indicators on the moveable component. In this way, the user may be informed as to where the predetermined positions are and thereby be discouraged from moving the moveable component beyond the predetermined positions. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the device and therefore increases the lifetime of the device.
  • Such indicators also decrease the likelihood of the device being put in a non-predetermined position and therefore being in an inoperable mode. In this way, the user experience is also improved.
  • a first flow channel in a first predetermined position, is partially blocked and may not allow a first aerosol to be provided to a user.
  • the first flow channel in a second predetermined position, is not partially blocked and allows a first aerosol to be provided to a user.
  • a second flow channel (to, through and from a second aerosol generating region) is not partially blocked and allows a second aerosol to be provided to a user.
  • both flow channels may be partially open and therefore the device may provide a combined first and second aerosol to a user. If the user is not expecting such an aerosol, it may decrease the user experience of the device.
  • the device in non-predetermined position the device may be arranged to not be able to provide an aerosol, i.e. be in an inoperable mode. This assists against an unexpected, and potentially low quality aerosol, being provided to the user and decreasing user experience.
  • the moveable component in the first position, is arranged to block airflow through at least one flow channel.
  • the moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow from inlet 102a into the first flow channel 106a (numerals as per Figure 1).
  • the moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow through the flow channel 106a to outlet 104 (numerals as per Figure 1). The same holds for the second flow channel 106b.
  • device may have a series of inlets.
  • the moveable component By moving the moveable component to block an inlet to, say, the first airflow channel, the moveable component blocks a part of the air flow channel and entirely prevents airflow through the channel and therefore prevents an aerosol being provided to the user from any first aerosol generating region from the outlet. Entirely blocking the airflow channel also prevents an aerosol being provided to the user, for example, by blocking the inlet, the opening to an aerosol generating region, the outlet from the aerosol generating region and the outlet from the device.
  • the moveable component may have a cap portion.
  • the cap portion of the moveable component may have an aperture. Moving the moveable component may move the aperture.
  • the aperture aligns with a specific flow path e.g. through the first aerosol generating material containing region or the second aerosol generating material containing region, airflow through that region is allowed and the region provides an aerosol that is provided from the outlet. In this way, a rotational movement may be able to provide blocking of certain flow paths while unblocking others.
  • the main body portion may have an aperture that may be aligned with an outlet from the aerosol generating material containing region.
  • Each flow path contains a flow detector or flow sensor such as a microphone or pressure sensor or the like that detects when a flow through the flow path occurs.
  • control circuitry may signal for a heater to activate to provide an aerosol from a corresponding aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the moveable component may move to block airflow past the flow sensor of the flow path not intended for use in that position, e.g. in the first position, the first flow path is blocked, the first flow detector does not detect a flow and so the first aerosol is not provided.
  • moveable component may align an aperture with an inlet or outlet of the second flow path which means there is an airflow through the second flow path.
  • the airflow is detected by the flow detector in the second flow path. This is detected and a signal sent to control circuitry.
  • the control circuitry signals a heater to operate to form an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • a simple motion may be more user-friendly for a movement-impaired user.
  • the user wishing to use the device, change the flavour from the device and put the device in an inoperable mode, may prefer a simpler motion, such as rotation of a portion of the device around a small number of degrees, such as between 30 and 90 degrees.
  • rotating the moveable component of the device anticlockwise by 90 degrees renders the device useable (i.e. unlocks the device and selects a first flavour) and rotating a portion of the device clockwise 90 degrees renders the device temporarily un-useable (i.e. locks the device).
  • a less complex motion may improve user experience of the device.
  • a more complex motion such as squeezing a portion of the device and then rotating may be more difficult for an inappropriate user to perform, thereby decreasing the likelihood of inappropriate users being able to use the device. This may however impact the appropriate user’s user experience of the device. Combinations of motions such a squeeze and rotate, or translate then rotate are more difficult to replicate and are less likely to occur during, e.g., normal motion associated with the device for example when being carried in luggage during travel. As such, a more complex motion also has improved resistance to accidental motion changing the device from inactive (locked) to active (unlocked, with first or second flavour selected) states.
  • the device herein therefore provides a simple mechanical solution for selection of flavour a device that is easy to manufacture, very hygienic and robust during periods of use and non-use.
  • the device is therefore cheaper to produce, reliable during use and non-use and accordingly provides an improved user experience.
  • the device further comprises control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined position that is a locked position or a predetermined inoperable position.
  • control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined position that is a locked position or a predetermined inoperable position.
  • the user may be able to move the movable component 140 to a number, or series, of predetermined positions.
  • a “predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is intended, by the manufacturer, to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. That outcome may be the provision of a specific aerosol from a specific region within the device, such as a first aerosol from a first aerosol generating material containing region, or a second aerosol from a second aerosol generating material containing region, or a locked effect wherein the device cannot be used.
  • a “non-predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is not intended by the manufacturer to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. This may be, for example, one or more positions that are between, or beyond, predetermined positions, as discussed with reference to Figure 5.
  • the device may further comprise a stopper to prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions.
  • the stopper may therefore provide further control over the positioning of the moveable component.
  • the stopper may be a physical element that physically opposes attempts to move the moveable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.
  • the stopper may be an electrical and/or magnetic component that electrically/magnetically opposed attempts to move the movable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.
  • the aerosol generating material containing regions may be a tank, reservoir or chamber for containing aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating material in the regions may be solid or liquid.
  • a tank or reservoir may be advantageous for containing the liquid and assisting prevention of spillage during movement of the device.
  • the region may be a chamber or cage or the like in which the aerosol generating material is contained.
  • Solid aerosol generating material may be contained on a spike or the like within a region. The region may not be a completely confined portion of space, as a block of aerosol generating material on a spike would not require totally surrounding with a structure.
  • the aerosol generating material may comprise flavours and/or stimulants or the like. Where there are at least two aerosol generating material containing regions, preferably they contain different aerosol generating materials. This may be different flavours entirely or may be strengths of the same aerosol generating material.
  • the user is allowed to switch between the two aerosol generating materials as desired and therefore it is reasonable to assume the user switches due to the differences in the aerosol generating materials in the device.
  • the aerosol generating material containing regions contain or are in fluid communication with an aerosol generating region.
  • the aerosol generating material containing regions may also be aerosol generating regions, and include elements such as atomizers, heaters, vibration plates, microphones, flow sensors, pressure detectors, and/or wicks or the like.
  • the aerosol generating material containing regions may be in communication with aerosol generating regions.
  • the device may have one heating element per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer.
  • the device may have one heating element in total.
  • the device may have control circuitry and a puff detector, microphone or the like for activating the heating element or elements in the aerosol provision device.
  • the device may have one puff detector (or the like) per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer or have one puff detector in total.
  • flow paths and flow channels may be used herein interchangeably.
  • the device is elongate. In an example, the device has a circular cross section. In an example, the device is cylindrical. In this example, the moveable component may be in the form of a collar as a separated portion of the outer housing. The moveable component may be movable separate from the rest of the outer housing.
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a device 600, 700.
  • the device 600 in Figure 6 has a housing 610 that holds a first aerosol generating region 620 (or a first aerosol generating material containing region) and a second aerosol generating region 630 (or a second aerosol generating material containing region). Each region may have an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like.
  • the device 600 has a heater 640 located so that the heater 640 can heat a region.
  • the moveable component may be connected to the reservoirs such that the moveable component can be moved and, in turn, move the reservoirs in a direction shown by arrow E. By rotating the reservoirs, the user can control which reservoir is close to the heating element 640. This may be alongside movement of an aperture (or the like) to align with an airflow path to allow airflow through a specific aerosol generating region.
  • the heating element 640 may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 620 and the second aerosol generating region 630, dependent on the movement provided by the moveable component to the reservoirs.
  • a device according to the present invention may have only one heating element for more than one reservoir.
  • the device 700 may have an aerosol generating material reservoir 705 with at least two portions 720, 730.
  • a first portion 720 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 705 is in the first aerosol generating region.
  • a second portion 730 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 705 is in the second aerosol generating region.
  • the arrangement shown has the portions 720, 730 as two sides of a cylindrical aerosol generating material reservoir 705.
  • the materials in the two portions 720, 730 of the reservoir 705 may be two different materials.
  • the materials may be liquids or solids.
  • the device 700 may provide only one heater 740 thereby reducing the cost of production against a device with multiple heaters.
  • the first portion 720 of the reservoir 705 may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the first portion 720 may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoirs may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices.
  • the second portion 730 of the reservoir 705 may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to the first portion 720.
  • the device 700 may be a single puff device 700 or a device 700 that is intended to be a disposable device 700, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 700 may be disposed. The same can be applied to any of the examples herein regarding volume of reservoir in an aerosol generating region.
  • one or the other liquid reservoir 720, 730 may be moved to align with a flow path through the device.
  • the heater 740 may remain stationary. As the reservoir arrangement is rotated, one reservoir is moved to be closer to the off-centre heater, such that that reservoir is the active, selected, reservoir from which an aerosol is provided.
  • the power source (for powering the heater or heating element associated with one or more aerosol generating regions) may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable.
  • the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may safely dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted.
  • the power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.
  • the device may have a first aerosol generating material containing region and a second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the first aerosol generating material containing region may be in the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating material containing region may be in the second aerosol generating region.
  • the containing regions may be separated by some distance.
  • the first and second containing regions may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material, up to 0.02 ml of liquid aerosol generating material or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoirs may hold far greater volumes, up to 200 ml.
  • the first flow channel and second flow channel may be entirely distinct from each other.
  • the device may be more mechanically complex to construct and may require additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily), there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user.
  • additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily)
  • there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user in this way, by isolating the flow channels from one another, there is reduced likelihood of a previous aerosol impacting the present aerosol, by for example having condensed on the channel inside the device. As such, the reliability and consistency of the aerosol provided to a user is improved.
  • the separated flow channels may have an aerosol provided by one heater.
  • the heater may be centrally located (as per either Figs 6 or 7) and within thermal communication of the aerosol generating material containing regions.
  • the heater may be activated and one region may have airflow through it such that one aerosol is provided to a user.
  • the device may have a plurality of heaters, each of which may be activated by a specific predetermined position and corresponding electrical connection.
  • a first heating element may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. While more costly to provide more heating elements and more complex electrical circuitry, the arrangement of the heating elements and the aerosol generating regions is made simpler. In either arrangement, one or more puff sensors may be used.
  • the process of moving the moveable component alters a physical and/or electrical arrangement within the device.
  • the physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of air flow channels through the device (as per the example of Figure 3).
  • the electrical arrangement may also or alternatively refer to the physical arrangement of electrical contacts in the device.
  • any of the elements in the device may be arranged to be moved by the moveable component.
  • moving and aligning apertures for flow paths or moving heaters or reservoirs the like movement of a central portion of the device, such as a portion abutting the mouthpiece has been found to be very user friendly and can be performed with one hand.
  • the devices disclosed herein may be arranged to be easily manipulated (by simple slide, squeeze and slide, rotate, or squeeze and rotate motions) and therefore can be used by users with reduced mobility (specifically movements that can be performed one handed by the hand holding the device).
  • Movement of the moveable component may additionally or alternatively be performed with a hand, or with a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like.
  • a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like.
  • the moveable component of the device can therefore lead to a change in aerosol and/or locking of the device. This provides a great level of control over their device thereby increasing user experience.
  • the moveable component may be moved in a manner that is not rotation around a longitudinal axis of device, such as by a pushing motion into (or from) a predetermined position.
  • the moveable component may be moved by an electrical signal provided by the user to the device via an interface.
  • the signalling may be controlled by control circuitry in the device.
  • the control circuitry may provide signals to the moveable component to move and select the specific flavour.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by electronic control circuitry of the aerosol provision device.
  • the likelihood of over movement of the moveable component - for example past a stopper - is reduced.
  • the safety of the device is increased and accordingly the lifetime of the device.
  • the indicator may comprise an electronic portion that is arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication to the user.
  • the indicator In the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the indicator In the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the indicator may therefore contain LEDs or the like, audio emitters and vibrational elements.
  • the consumable 800 has a moveable component 830.
  • the consumable 800 has at least one inlet 811, 821 through which air can enter the consumable 800.
  • the consumable 800 has at least one outlet 836 through which air can exit the consumable 800.
  • the consumable 800 has a first flow channel 813, 837 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 811 and at least one outlet 836.
  • the consumable 800 has a second flow channel 823 (that with channel 837) is arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 821 and at least one outlet 836.
  • the moveable component 830 is arranged to move between at least a first and a second position.
  • the consumable 800 has a flow sensor 812 in the first flow channel 810 and a flow sensor 822 in the second flow channel 820.
  • the consumable 800 has a first indicator 814 related to the first flow sensor 812, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the first flow sensor 812.
  • the consumable 800 has a second indicator 824 related to the second flow sensor 822, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the second flow sensor 822.
  • Figure 8 shows the moveable component 832 in the second position. In the second position, the moveable component 830 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 821.
  • the example shown in Figure 8 show a consumable 800 with a moveable component 830 that may be inserted into a aerosol provision device or an aerosol provision system or the like.
  • the moveable component 830 is moved as per earlier examples and allows a user to select the flow channel to use the device/system with. This leads to a controllable and selectable experience for the user while maintaining the high levels of hygiene as per earlier examples.
  • Rotation as per arrow G is, in examples, the movement user by a user to move the moveable component 830.
  • the consumable may be used in an aerosol provision device as described above to provide an aerosol-generating system.
  • FIG 9 there is shown a flow chart of a method of using an aerosol provision device. The method is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device.
  • the method 900 has steps 905, 910, 915, 920.
  • step 905 a first flow channel is partially blocked.
  • step 910 an airflow is provided to the second flow channel via at least one outlet.
  • step 915 a second flow sensor associated with the second flow channel is activated due to the airflow in the second flow channel.
  • step 920 an indication is provided from a second indicator associated with the second flow sensor.
  • the flow channel may be blocked by movement of a moveable component or via other mechanisms.
  • the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.
  • Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users.
  • rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties.
  • the rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device.
  • the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device.
  • Alternatively or additional other movements may be arranged to select between aerosols.
  • the arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.
  • a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user.
  • the user can easily control the aerosol provided, alongside controlling activation state of the device (e.g. a lock state or not) and also access to sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user.
  • the device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users.
  • the device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.
  • Arrangements disclosed herein provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision by the device of an aerosol.
  • the arrangement allows a user to control their device by moving a movable component to block airflow through specific flow channels in the device. By blocking and unblocking flow channels, the user may be able to make the device unable to provide one aerosol while able to provide another aerosol.
  • This arrangement therefore increases the flexibility of operation of the device. For example, the user can have one device that can provide a multitude of aerosols, rather than requiring an equal number of devices to desired aerosols.
  • the user is able to have high levels of confidence while using the device as the indicator of the moveable component informs the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and selecting or not specific flow channels and therefore specific aerosol generating material.
  • Moving the moveable component is likely to involve moving between predetermined positions. Between these positions are positions that are not predetermined and that therefore do not have a known or intended function associated with the position. As such, the user is able to avoid moving the moveable component into a not predetermined position and attempting to use the device. This therefore improves the usability of the device alongside the user experience.
  • the indicator may be of any form and therefore may improve usability for user’ s that are impaired in some manner, whether due to poor eyesight, dexterity or the like. Each of these users is able to use the device to the same level as a non-impaired user. This is highly important to ensure that all users are able to obtain the same very high level of device performance.
  • a user may wish to have a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session (e.g. first 5 puffs) or at a particular part of the day (e.g. morning) and then a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session (e.g. last 5 puffs) or at another part of the day (e.g. afternoon), this can be provided by the multiple aerosol generating material containing regions within the present device.
  • a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session (e.g. first 5 puffs) or at a particular part of the day (e.g. morning) and then a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session (e.g. last 5 puffs) or at another part of the day (e.g. afternoon), this can be provided by the multiple aerosol generating material containing regions within the present device.
  • the moveable component may be arranged to be moved only by the user, and not e.g. in response to general forces impacting the device (e.g. if dropped on the floor or
  • the movement of the moveable component may be reasonably complex.
  • the movement may be a mechanically robust movement that in turn decreases the likelihood of accidental or unwanted activation of the aerosol provision device.
  • Increasing the complexity of the movement of the moveable component is also not intensive from a manufacturing standpoint.
  • the present device may provide a cost effective yet highly robust method of securing the device against accidental or unwanted activation of a certain aerosol.
  • the likelihood of accidental movement is further reduced, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation accordingly.
  • the arrangement is therefore able to provide a “plug-and-play” approach.
  • the user may activate the device for a first aerosol with a first movement of the moveable component and then, with a minor physical movement, activate the device for a second aerosol.
  • the user is informed as to which aerosol is being selected by virtue of the indicator that may provide a visual indication.
  • the moveable component may be moved using a complex or simple but intricate movement.
  • the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, performing the movement is significantly low such that the likelihood of use of the device by an inappropriate user is drastically reduced.
  • the present disclosure improves the safety of the device.
  • the system disclosed herein is an improvement over previous systems due to ease of use for users of a wide range of capabilities, improved certainty of use and removal of complex manipulations for altering between different aerosols that may be provided by the device.
  • users that have limited or impaired mobility, in particular in relation to hands, eyesight or the like, are able to use the full capability of the device.
  • devices may be used with different aerosol generating material.
  • an age-restricted aerosol generating material may be provided with a different indication signal (or combination of signals) to a non-age-restricted aerosol generating material.
  • an age-restricted aerosol generating material is provided with an audio signal and a visual signal while a non-age-restricted aerosol generating material is provided with a different visual signal.
  • additional alerts or signals may be applied in use of age- restricted aerosol generating materials.
  • the security around use of age-restricted aerosol generating materials is increased as nearby users may be informed as to the attempt to use the device with an age-restricted aerosol generating material.
  • devices with two aerosol generating material containing regions have been discussed.
  • the devices may have more than two aerosol generating material containing regions and therefore be able to provide more than two aerosols for the user.
  • Any number of aerosol generating material containing regions may be provided. Increasing the number of aerosol generating material containing regions will increase the special requirements of the aerosol generating material containing regions and therefore the device may be larger if containing more aerosol generating material containing regions.
  • the aerosol generating material containing regions may have a smaller volume within a same sized device.
  • Any device herein may additionally include components such as a power portion comprising a power source for providing power to the aerosol generating regions to activate heaters or the like.
  • Other components such as flow sensors, microphones, or the like may be included in the devices disclosed herein.
  • the power portion may be connected to the aerosol generating regions by electrical connections. These may be moved as part of moving the moveable component in any of the examples above. Moving the moveable component relatively to the device may move the electrical contact or electrical contacts within the device. Moving the contacts may move the contacts into and out of electrical connection with the contacts of the heater associated with the first aerosol generating material containing region. Moving the contacts may move the contacts into and out of electrical connection with the contacts of the heater associated with the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the heater may be the same or the device may have two or more heaters. In this way, the moveable component can be moved to provide electrical communication required to provide heat to the selected aerosol generating material and therefore provide an aerosol to the user.
  • Moving the moveable component allows a user to align the contacts of the power portion with any of the electrical contacts of the first aerosol generating region; the electrical contacts of the second aerosol generating region; and not connect to either contacts of the first aerosol generating region or the second aerosol generating region, such that one or another region can provide an aerosol for inhalation, or the device can be placed in a locked state where neither region provides an aerosol for inhalation.
  • the contacts may be slidable contacts. In this way, the contacts may be moved to slide along a face and connect with the contacts of the power portion when the respective contacts are aligned.
  • the contacts may be contact brushes, or the like, to assist sliding and electrical connection.
  • the contacts may be moved into alignment with contacts of the power portion.
  • either contact or contacts may be a conductive trace that can be contacted by contact brushes or pins or the like.
  • the power portion contacts may be recessed and the contacts of the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region may comprise a resilient member to bias the brushes or pins or the like into the recesses holding the contact or contacts of the power portion. In this way, a reliable and robust electrical connection can be provided after moving the moveable component into a predetermined position.
  • the moveable component may unlock the power source portion.
  • the power source portion may comprise a battery, control circuitry, puff detectors, microphones or the like for accurately initiating heating from suitable aerosol generating regions during inhalation. Unlocking the power source portion may improve ease of repair for a manufacturer or designated engineer for the device. In this way, the lifetime of the device may be improved.
  • the moveable component may unlock the power source portion to provide access to the power source portion for removing a power source from and/or inserting a power source to the power source portion.
  • Providing a user with access to the power source for removing and replacing a power source improves the ease with which the battery can be removed, recharged and/or replaced. This in turn increases the lifetime of the device over a device without access to the power source portion.
  • a user may be able to access the power source portion remove the elements therein (power source, electronics etc), and recycle the elements in a suitable way, while recycling the body of the device in another suitable way. As the body of such devices are often made from different materials (plastics etc), this reduces the environmental impact of disposal of the device.
  • the user is able to move the moveable component, remove a portion of the device near the power source portion (e.g. a bottom of the device), slide components out of the device (e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc) and recycle as electronics while the remaining device is recycled as plastics.
  • a portion of the device near the power source portion e.g. a bottom of the device
  • slide components out of the device e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc
  • Different movements may be provided to the moveable component for changing operable states of the device compared to access of the battery portion to increase the difficulty for inappropriate users to access sensitive components of the device.
  • the user may: Rotate to change aerosols;
  • the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.
  • Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users.
  • rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties.
  • the rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device.
  • the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device.
  • Alternatively or additional other movements may be arranged to select between aerosols.
  • the arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.
  • a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user.
  • the user can easily control the aerosol provided, alongside controlling activation state of the device (e.g. a lock state or not) and also access to sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user.
  • the device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users.
  • the device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 1000 according to the present invention.
  • the aerosol provision device 1000 has at least one inlet 1002 through which air can enter the device 1000.
  • the aerosol provision device 1000 has at least one outlet 1004 through which aerosol within the device 1000 can pass.
  • the device 1000 has a first aerosol generating region 1010 arranged to generate a first aerosol.
  • the device 1000 has a second aerosol generating region 1020 arranged to generate a second aerosol.
  • the device 1000 has a third aerosol generating region 1030 arranged to generate a third aerosol.
  • the device 1000 has control circuitry 1040 arranged to control generation of aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 1010, second aerosol generating region 1020 and third aerosol generating region 1030.
  • the device 1000 has at least one flow path 1050 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 1002, at least one outlet 1004 and at least one of the first 1010, second 1020 and third 1030 aerosol generating regions.
  • the control circuitry 1040 is arranged in use to selectively activate at least one of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • control circuitry 1040 is arranged, in use, to selectively activate at least two of the first aerosol generating region 1010, the second aerosol generating region 1020, and the third aerosol generating region 1030.
  • These aerosol generating regions may be arranged to receive aerosol generating material from a user in any suitable form. These regions may be arranged to receive a cartridge containing aerosol generating material or the like. The regions may contain a reservoir or the like as part of the region.
  • the device 1000 has one inlet 1002 and one outlet 1004.
  • the flow path 1050 splits and has portions that go through each of the first aerosol generating region 1010, second aerosol generating region 1020 and third aerosol generating region 1030.
  • the device 1000 may have a plurality of flow paths that are not necessarily interlinked as is shown in the specific example of Figure 10.
  • An aerosol generating region may contain an aerosol generating material and/or aerosol generating component such a heater, vibrational plate, atomizer or the like.
  • the device may have a heater, vibrational plate, atomizer or the like that provides an aerosol from one or more of the aerosol generating regions.
  • the heater or heaters (vibrational plates, atomizers, etc) may be selectively activated to provide aerosols from or within the aerosol generating regions.
  • Each region may selectively release aerosol generating material or the like from a reservoir or store or the like from which to form an aerosol.
  • the first aerosol is different to the second aerosol which is also different to the third aerosol.
  • the first aerosol may be nicotine containing aerosol.
  • the second aerosol may be a menthol flavour.
  • the third aerosol may be a fruit flavour.
  • any one of the aerosols may be provided to a user alone.
  • the first aerosol can be provided with either of the second aerosol or the third aerosol.
  • the second aerosol and third aerosol may not be provided with each other.
  • the control circuitry 140 is arranged to allow provision of three single aerosols (first, second and third aerosols individually) and two combined aerosols (first-second aerosol combined and first-third aerosol combined).
  • the control circuitry 1040 may control the flow of air through the device 1000 or may control the activation of heaters or the like within the device 1000 to form requested (suitable) aerosols. Such a request may occur via a user interface with the device 1000 or the like.
  • the user may be able to select an aerosol (single or allowable combined aerosol) and the control circuitry controls the device 1000 to provide such an aerosol to the user. In this way, the user is provided with aerosols that were predetermined as acceptable or allowable by the manufacturer. This in turn ensures that high quality aerosols are provided to the user and therefore maintains high user experience of the device.
  • a user interface such as a GUI
  • the GUI will not offer this as an aerosol for selection by the user.
  • the interface and controller together may act to prevent undesirable aerosol combinations being provided to a user and therefore improve the overall user experience of the device.
  • the device 1000 may have a alarm function controlled by the controller 1040. This may sound if a user requests a non-allowable aerosol combination. This further improves the non-allowable aerosol combination prevention.
  • the user may be provided with audio feedback that this is an aerosol combination that has been deemed by the manufacturer to be undesirable.
  • FIG. 11 there is an example of a device 1100.
  • the device 1100 has an arrangement as per Figure 10, with reference numerals for features providing the same function using the same numerals but increased by 100.
  • device 1000 of Figure 10 has the same function (that of providing an aerosol to a user) as device 1100 of Figure 11.
  • the device 1100 has an inlet 1102, an outlet 1104 and a branching flow path 1150 from one to the other via the aerosol generating regions 1110, 1120, 1130 as discussed above.
  • the example shown in Figure 11 has a series of vents, valves or flaps or the like.
  • the controller is able to controllably open or close the valves 1112, 1122, 1132 to provide a single or combined aerosol.
  • the controller activates the aerosolisation arrangement (heaterfs], vibrational platefs], atomizerfs]) for the first aerosol generating region 1110 and closes the valve 1122 in the portion of the flow path 1150 linking the second aerosol generating region 1120 with the outlet 1104 and the valve 1132 in the portion of the flow path 1150 linking the third aerosol generating region 1130 with the outlet 1104.
  • the aerosolisation arrangement herein, the controller activates the aerosolisation arrangement (heaterfs], vibrational platefs], atomizerfs]) for the first aerosol generating region 1110 and closes the valve 1122 in the portion of the flow path 1150 linking the second aerosol generating region 1120 with the outlet 1104 and the valve 1132 in the portion of the flow path 1150 linking the third aerosol generating region 1130 with the outlet 1104.
  • valves further reduces the likelihood of contamination of the requested aerosol (in the example above, the first aerosol) with other aerosols (in the example above, the second aerosol and the third aerosol).
  • the valves 1112, 1122, 1132 provide an improved alignment between requested aerosol and provided aerosol. This in turn improves the user experience of the device.
  • FIG 12 there is an example of a device 1200.
  • the device 1200 has an arrangement as per Figure 11, with reference numerals for features providing the same function using the same numerals but increased by 100.
  • device 1100 of Figure 11 has the same function (that of providing an aerosol to a user) as device 1200 of Figure 12.
  • Figure 12 shows a device 1200 having an inlet 1202, outlet 1204 a flow path linking the inlet 1202 to the aerosol generating regions 1210, 1220, 1230.
  • the device 1200 also has a moveable component 1260.
  • the moveable component 1260 is arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions. In some positions, the moveable component 1260 at least partially blocks some flow paths. In some positions, the moveable component 1260 connects flow paths such that there is a full route from an inlet 1202 via at least one aerosol generating region to an outlet 1204.
  • the device 1200 has a mouthpiece portion 1270 comprising at least one outlet 1204 for providing an aerosol to a user.
  • the mouthpiece 1270 may be received in the mouth of a user. It may be shaped to be particularly comfortable for a user to receive or hold in their mouth.
  • the moveable component 1260 is in a position such that there is a full flow route from the inlet 1202 through the first aerosol generating region 1210 to the outlet 1204 and also from the inlet 1202 through the third aerosol generating region 1230 to the outlet 1204. In this position, the device 1200 operates to provide a combined first-third aerosol to the user.
  • Figure 12 shows the moveable component 1260 comprises a portion of a flow channel 1262 and a portion of a flow channel 1264.
  • the moveable component 1260 may be moved as per arrow A.
  • Arrow A shows a rotational motion around a longitudinal axis of the device 1200. Any movement is possible. Rotational movement may be easy for users to provide.
  • the flow channel portions 1262, 1264 rotate as well. In the example shown in Figure 12, this rotation of the flow channels 1263, 1264 is represented by the double ended arrow C (as showing the movement of the channels).
  • the channels can therefore be selectively and controllably aligned the flow channels (or with one or with none) within the aerosol generating regions 1210, 1220, 1230.
  • the moveable component 1260 may therefore be moved to block (or complete) flow channels in the device 1200.
  • the moveable component 1260 may be arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions. Predetermined in this sense means predetermined by the manufacturer to provide a specific aerosol from the arrangement of aerosol generating regions within the device.
  • Moving the moveable component can be used to prevent provision of aerosol from a blocked flow path.
  • the first and third aerosol generating regions 1210, 1230 have complete flow paths (in the sense of from inlet 1202, through the respective aerosol generating region 1210, 1230, to the outlet 1204).
  • the moveable component prevents provision of an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region 1220.
  • the controller 1240 When moving the moveable component 1260 to align either or both of the flow channel portions 1262, 1264 with any other flow channel (e.g. flow channel 1250), there is a complete flow channel from inlet 1202 to outlet 1204 via an aerosol generating region and therefore, when a user inhales, an airflow will pass through the complete channel.
  • the controller 1240 is aware which aerosol generating region is selected and therefore provides control signals to activate only the aerosol generating regions that have been selected and, in the case of combinations, only when those regions will provide valid aerosol combinations.
  • the first, second and third aerosol generating regions can each validly provide a single aerosol.
  • the first aerosol generating region can be combined separately with the second aerosol generating region and third aerosol generating region to provide combined first-second and first-third aerosols.
  • the second aerosol generating region cannot provide a valid aerosol with the third aerosol generating region.
  • the moveable component 1260 is arranged downstream of the first 1210, second 1220 and third 1230 aerosol generating regions and upstream of the mouthpiece portion 1270. In the example shown, the moveable component 1260 is adjacent the mouthpiece portion 1270. This may be particularly easy for a user to hold and move the moveable component with only one hand.
  • the moveable component 1260, flow channel portions 1262, 1264 and the aerosol generating regions 1210, 1220, 1230 may be arranged such that a selection of both the second aerosol generating region 1220 and third aerosol generating region 1230 is not possible. This provides a mechanical solution to preventing a combination of undesirable aerosols.
  • the device disclosed herein may have a number of channels and movement of the moveable component may unblock one (or more) channel at a time. In an arrangement where only one channel is unblocked, all others may be at least partially blocked. In this way, the user is provided with an airflow from one channel. Where airflow mays be combined, the moveable component may be arranged to provide multiple airflows to a user.
  • the user may receive indications from any of the relevant indicators of the device.
  • FIG. 13 there is an example of a portion of an aerosol provision device.
  • the view is a transverse cross section of a cylindrical device showing aerosol generating regions 1310, 1320, 1330.
  • Each of the aerosol generating regions has a flow path through it.
  • the first aerosol generating region 1310 has flow path 1312.
  • the second aerosol generating region 1320 has a second flow path 1322.
  • the third aerosol generating region 1330 has a third flow path 1332.
  • the device also has a blank region 1340 where there is no flow path.
  • the arrangement of the example shown on the left hand side of Figure 13 is such that when combined with the example of a moveable component 1360 shown on the right hand side of Figure 13, the undesirable aerosol combination from the second aerosol generating region 1320 and the third aerosol generating region 1330 is prevented.
  • a moveable component 1360 that is rotatable in the direction of arrow D.
  • the moveable component 1360 has two flow channel portions 1362, 1364. These may be moved to align with, or not align with, the flow channels through the aerosol generating regions shown on the left hand side of Figure 13.
  • the position of the moveable component 1360 shown on the right hand side would allow a combined first-second aerosol when positioned over the arrangement on the left hand side (which in use of course it would be).
  • the flow channel portion 1362 of the moveable component 1360 would align with flow channel portion 1322 of the second aerosol generating region 1320 and flow channel portion 1364 of the moveable component 1360 would align with flow channel portion 1312 of the first aerosol generating region 1310.
  • a combined first-second aerosol would be provided as full flow channels from inlet to outlet via the respective aerosol generating regions if provided by the moveable component 1360.
  • the flow path through third aerosol generating region is blocked.
  • the flow path portion 1364 of the moveable component 460 would align with the flow path portion 1322 of the second aerosol generating region 1320.
  • the flow path portion 1362 of the moveable component 1360 would connect to the blank region 1340 and so be blocked. In this way, in use, the user would be provided with a single aerosol from the second aerosol generating region 1320.
  • the flow path portion 1362 of the moveable component 1360 would align with the flow path portion 1332 of the third aerosol generating region 1330.
  • the flow path portion 1364 of the moveable component 1360 would connect to the blank region 1340 and so be blocked. In this way, in use, the user would be provided with a single aerosol from the third aerosol generating region 1330.
  • the flow path portion 1362 of the moveable component 1360 would align with the flow path portion 1312 of the first aerosol generating region 1310.
  • the flow path portion 1364 of the moveable component 1360 would connect to the flow path portion 1332 of the third aerosol generating region 1330. In this way, in use, the user would be provided with a combined first-third aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 1310 and the third aerosol generating region 1330.
  • the arrangement of Figure 13 therefore has 4 predetermined positions (second aerosol only, third aerosol only, combined first-third aerosol, combined first-second aerosol). More complex arrangements may provide more predetermined positions offering more aerosol options or combinations.
  • the device may have more than three aerosol generating regions.
  • the device may have more than three aerosol generating materials or the like within from which to generate aerosols. By increasing this, the user is provided with a more flexible device that can provide a greater number of aerosols and aerosol-combinations. This increases the user experience and decreases the number of devices a user needs to own to provide different aerosols. This therefore reduces wastage and disposal of devices.
  • the device may have more than one outlet.
  • the arrangement of such a device may include two (or more) outlets, which may be arranged within two mouthpieces.
  • the device may be a “double ended” device such that the user is able to inhale on one end for a first aerosol from the first channel and on the other end for a second aerosol from the second channel.
  • the flow channels may share at least a portion of the other flow channel towards the outlets or the outlet of the device where the channels converge.
  • the channels may alternatively be entirely separate (as may be the case with a double-ended device). Where the channels are entirely separate, there is at least one inlet and one outlet for each flow path channels, i.e. for two channels there may be two inlets and two outlets. For three aerosol generating regions there may be three channels and therefore at least three inlets and at least three outlets.
  • the user moves the moveable component to partially block certain flow channels and unblock at least one channel (prior to use).
  • the user may move the moveable component to a locked state or non-active state or the like where no flow channels are open (for example, moving the moveable component of Figure 13 clockwise by 45 degrees would not align the flow channels of the moveable component with any flow paths of the aerosol generating regions).
  • the moveable component 1360 may be described as being in a non-predetermined position.
  • the aerosol provision device may be configured to be in an inoperable mode when the moveable component is in a non-predetermined position.
  • the device may have a further predetermined position where the device is “locked” for storage or the like, which is a predetermined position.
  • FIG 14 there is shown a schematic view of a portion of the device of Figure 12, specifically the dashed box C.
  • an arrangement 1400 of a device portion including a moveable component for preventing the moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions within a device there is shown an arrangement 1400 of a device portion including a moveable component for preventing the moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions within a device.
  • the arrangement 1400 has an aerosol provision device housing 1410.
  • Within the housing 1410 is an array of predetermined positions 1420.
  • the array of predetermined positions 1420 has a first predetermined position 1422, a second predetermined position 1424, a third predetermined position 1426, and a fourth predetermined position 1428.
  • the moveable component may have a projection that enters a recess located at each of the predetermined positions 1420.
  • the moveable component may have a resilient member arranged to extend into a recess at a predetermined position 1420 when suitably aligned or arranged to bias a projection (or electrical contact) into a recess when suitably aligned.
  • the projection may comprise a resilient member to bias the projection into the recess when the moveable component reaches a predetermined position during movement.
  • the projection may be a spring and ball bearing or the like. Alternatively, a resilient plastic piece with a bump in it (or the like) for providing pressure towards the recess.
  • the moveable component may comprise the projection or the recess or an arrangement chosen to mirror the arrangements of the device so that the predetermined positions are moved to and securely selectable by a user.
  • the flow path through the third flow channel is prevented, thereby supplying the user with airflow through the first and second flow channel (a first-second combined aerosol).
  • the flow path through the second flow channel is prevented, thereby supplying the user with airflow through the first and third flow channel (a first-second combined aerosol).
  • the arrangement 1400 has a pair of stoppers 1430.
  • the stoppers 1432, 1434 prevent the moveable component from moving beyond the predetermined positions 1420.
  • the stoppers 1432, 1434 may physically (or otherwise) prevent the movement of a projection or a resilient member and therefore provide feedback to the user that further movement in the same direction is not permitted.
  • the stoppers 1430 may be arranged adjacent, or reasonably proximal to, the outermost predetermined positions 1422, 1428 (in the example of Figure 14). The use of a stopper, or stoppers, improves the overall safety of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein.
  • the stoppers 1430 may be arranged to limit movement to a specific number of degrees of rotation (for example) or a certain distance of translation or insertion. In some examples, stoppers 1430 may prevent movement beyond a certain amount of degrees of the moveable component.
  • the stoppers 1430 and the predetermined positions may demonstrate latching behaviour when interacting with the moveable component to help inform the user of the allowed range of movements of the moveable component. This increases the safety and reliability of the device, by reducing the likelihood of a user moving the moveable component too far and potentially damaging the device. Preventing over-rotation has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of leakage from the device. As such, stoppers are advantageous for this reason.
  • the moveable component has a first position 90 degrees (or more) away from the second position. In this way, the selection between the first or second aerosol is clear for a user. The greater separation between the two positions, the decreased likelihood of a user accidentally selecting a non-desired flow channel for inhalation. Decreasing this likelihood increases the user experience of the device.
  • the moveable component is further arranged to move to a third position, wherein the third position is a predetermined position (which may be deemed a latched position due to the interaction of projection and recesses) wherein the aerosol provision device is in an inoperable mode, i.e. a locked state.
  • the moveable component may be moved to a third position (such as 1426 from Figure 14).
  • the moveable component is latched, i.e. the moveable component is secured and at least slightly prevented from moving away from this position.
  • Such latching may occur by aligning of a resilient member or projection and a recess or the like.
  • the resilient member/proj ection projects into the recess and some additional mechanical effort is required to move the moveable component out of the recess and into a further predetermined position, such as position 528. This may provide the device with an “off’ position into which the device can be put after the conclusion of a smoking session.
  • the device When the moveable component is moved to the third position, the device may be inoperable, for example this may be in a sleep mode or a locked mode or an “off’ mode or the like. In this position, the moveable component may block at least one flow channel. In this position, the moveable component may block some portion of all flow channels in the device, to prevent an aerosol from being provided to a user from any aerosol generating region. While in one of these modes (lock, sleep, etc), the user cannot receive an aerosol from the device without changing the mode. The user may change the mode by moving the moveable component into a different predetermined position. Any predetermined position may be a latched position, i.e. a position from which additional effort is required from the user to move out of the predetermined position.
  • position 1440 there are positions between the predetermined positions indicated 1420, such as position 1440.
  • position 1440 is not considered a predetermined position 1420 as the moveable component will not latch into place in position 1440.
  • the positions that are not “predetermined positions” are not intended for the user to move the moveable component to and then leave the moveable component in. As such, moving the moveable component from a non-predetermined effort requires no additional effort from the user.
  • the aerosol provision device is configured to be in an inoperable mode when the movable component is in a non-predetermined position. In the non-predetermined positions, the moveable component will not appropriately block or not block flow channels in the device in a predetermined manner. As a result, when in a non-predetermined position, the device may either provide an aerosol that has not been predetermined by the manufacturer, or not provide an aerosol at all. This would lead to a poor user experience.
  • Non-predetermined therefore means nonpredetermined by the manufacturer when the device is designed and provided for use.
  • the moveable component is arranged to provide tactile feedback when in a predetermined position. In this way, the user may be informed when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and can be expected to operate in a predetermined manner. As the movement of the moveable component affects the aerosol provided by the device, inaccurate positioning of the moveable component may result in poor aerosol delivery, whether by inaccurate blocking of flow channels or poor alignment of electrical connections or the like. As such, the user experience of the device may be improved by providing some form of feedback to the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Such an arrangement also increases the reliability of the overall device.
  • the feedback may be visible, this may be provided by an arrangement of projections and recesses (the tactile aspect of a projection slotting into the recess), or may be electrical, for example a sensor may provide a visual or audible indication when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Additional indicators may be arranged on the device to inform the user as to the position of the moveable component (in relation to predetermined positions).
  • the device has a device housing for housing the components of the device.
  • the housing may comprise indicators indicating the locations of the predetermined positions.
  • Such indicators may be graphics on the housing that may be arrow heads, which can be aligned with indicators on the moveable component. In this way, the user may be informed as to where the predetermined positions are and thereby be discouraged from moving the moveable component beyond the predetermined positions. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the device and therefore increases the lifetime of the device.
  • Such indicators also decrease the likelihood of the device being put in a non-predetermined position and therefore being in an inoperable mode. In this way, the user experience is also improved.
  • a first flow channel in a first predetermined position, is partially blocked and may not allow a first aerosol to be provided to a user.
  • the first flow channel in a second predetermined position, is the only flow channel not partially blocked and so allows a first aerosol to be provided to a user.
  • a second flow channel (to, through and from a second aerosol generating region) is the only flow channel not partially blocked and so allows a second aerosol to be provided to a user.
  • the moveable component may have a cap portion.
  • the cap portion of the moveable component may have an aperture. Moving the moveable component may move the aperture.
  • the aperture aligns with a specific flow path e.g. through the first aerosol generating material containing region or the second aerosol generating material containing region, airflow through that region is allowed and the region provides an aerosol that is provided from the outlet. In this way, a rotational movement may be able to provide blocking of certain flow paths while unblocking others.
  • the main body portion may have an aperture that may be aligned with an outlet from the aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the moveable component need only have an aperture rather than e.g. a flow channel portion. Or similarly, the flow channel portion may be relatively short.
  • Each flow path may contain a flow detector or flow sensor such as a microphone or pressure sensor or the like that detects when a flow through the flow path occurs.
  • control circuitry may signal for a heater to activate to provide an aerosol from a corresponding aerosol generating region.
  • the moveable component may move to block airflow past the flow sensor of the flow path not intended for use in that position, e.g. in the first position, the first flow path is blocked, the first flow detector does not detect a flow and so the first aerosol is not provided.
  • moveable component may align an aperture with e.g. an inlet or outlet of the second flow path such that there is an airflow through the second flow path. The airflow is detected by the flow detector in the second flow path. This is detected and a signal sent to control circuitry.
  • the control circuitry signals a heater to operate to form an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. This arrangement provides a robust and reliable device that is mechanically straightforward to construct and use.
  • a simple motion may be more user-friendly for a movement-impaired user.
  • the user wishing to use the device, change the flavour from the device and put the device in an inoperable mode, may prefer a simpler motion, such as rotation of a portion of the device around a small number of degrees, such as between 30 and 90 degrees.
  • rotating the moveable component of the device anticlockwise by 90 degrees renders the device useable (i.e. unlocks the device and selects a first aerosol) and rotating a portion of the device clockwise 90 degrees renders the device temporarily un-useable (i.e. locks the device).
  • a less complex motion may improve user experience of the device.
  • a more complex motion such as squeezing a portion of the device and then rotating may be more difficult for an inappropriate user to perform, thereby decreasing the likelihood of inappropriate users being able to use the device. This may however impact the appropriate user’s user experience of the device. Combinations of motions such a squeeze and rotate, or translate then rotate are more difficult to replicate and are less likely to occur during, e.g., normal motion associated with the device for example when being carried in luggage during travel. As such, a more complex motion also has improved resistance to accidental motion changing the device from inactive (locked) to active (unlocked, with first or second flavour selected) states.
  • the device herein therefore provides a simple mechanical solution for selection of aerosol a device that is easy to manufacture, very hygienic and robust during periods of use and non-use.
  • the device is therefore cheaper to produce, reliable during use and non-use and accordingly provides an improved user experience.
  • a “predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is intended, by the manufacturer, to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. That outcome may be the provision of a specific aerosol from a specific region within the device, such as a first aerosol from a first aerosol generating material containing region, or a second aerosol from a second aerosol generating material containing region, or a locked effect wherein the device cannot be used.
  • a “non-predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is not intended by the manufacturer to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. This may be, for example, one or more positions that are between, or beyond, predetermined positions, as discussed with reference to Figure 5.
  • the device may further comprise a stopper to prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions.
  • the stopper may therefore provide further control over the positioning of the moveable component.
  • the stopper may be a physical element that physically opposes attempts to move the moveable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.
  • the stopper may be an electrical and/or magnetic component that electrically/magnetically opposed attempts to move the movable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.
  • the aerosol generating regions may contain a tank, reservoir or chamber for containing aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating material in the regions may be solid or liquid. Where the aerosol generating material is a liquid, a tank or reservoir may be advantageous for containing the liquid and assisting prevention of spillage during movement of the device. Where the aerosol generating material is a solid, the region may contain a chamber or cage or the like in which the aerosol generating material is contained. Solid aerosol generating material may be contained on a spike or the like within a region. The region may not be a completely confined portion of space, as a block of aerosol generating material on a spike would not require totally surrounding with a structure.
  • the aerosol generating material may comprise flavours and/or stimulants or the like. Where there are at least two aerosol generating material containing regions, preferably they contain different aerosol generating materials. This may be different flavours entirely or may be strengths of the same aerosol generating material.
  • the user is allowed to switch between the aerosol generating materials within the device or provide allowable combinations of aerosols from the aerosol generating materials as desired and therefore it is reasonable to assume the user switches due to the differences in the aerosol generating materials in the device.
  • the aerosol generating regions may include elements such as atomizers, heaters, vibration plates, microphones, flow sensors, pressure detectors, and/or wicks or the like.
  • the device may have one heating element per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer.
  • the device may have one heating element in total.
  • the device may have control circuitry and a puff detector, microphone or the like for activating the heating element or elements in the aerosol provision device.
  • the device may have one puff detector (or the like) per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer or have one puff detector in total.
  • flow paths and flow channels may be used herein interchangeably.
  • the device is elongate. In examples, the device has a circular cross section. In examples, the device is cylindrical. In examples, the moveable component may be in the form of a collar as a separated portion of the outer housing. The moveable component may be movable separate from the rest of the outer housing.
  • This process for providing an aerosol described herein is a smooth and simple process for users and allows users to select and know which aerosol they are to be provided.
  • Figures 15 and 16 show a cross-sectional view of a device 1500, 1600.
  • the device 1500, in Figure 15 has a housing 1510 that holds a first aerosol generating region 1520 and a second aerosol generating region 1530 (in examples there may be more than one aerosol generating region as per examples shown above). Each region may have an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like.
  • the device 1500 has a heater 1540 located so that the heater 1540 can heat a region.
  • the moveable component may be connected to the reservoirs such that the moveable component can be moved and, in turn, move the reservoirs in a direction shown by arrow E. By rotating the reservoirs, the user can control which reservoir is close to the heating element 1540. This may be alongside movement of an aperture (or the like) to align with an airflow path to allow airflow through a specific aerosol generating region.
  • the heating element 1540 may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 1520 and the second aerosol generating region 1530, dependent on the movement provided by the moveable component to the reservoirs.
  • a device according to the present invention may have only one heating element for more than one reservoir. In an intermediate location (where both reservoirs are near the heater) the device can provide a combined aerosol.
  • the device 1600 may have an aerosol generating material reservoir 1605 with at least two portions 1620, 1630.
  • a first portion 1620 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 1605 is in the first aerosol generating region.
  • a second portion 1630 of the aerosol generating material reservoir 1605 is in the second aerosol generating region.
  • the arrangement shown has the portions 1620, 1630 as two sides of a cylindrical aerosol generating material reservoir 1605.
  • the materials in the two portions 1620, 1630 of the reservoir 1605 may be two different materials.
  • the materials may be liquids or solids.
  • the device 1600 may provide only one heater 1640 thereby reducing the cost of production against a device with multiple heaters. This also advantageously provides a reduction in the electronic complexity of the device 1600.
  • the first portion 1620 of the reservoir 1605 may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the first portion 1620 may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoirs may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices.
  • the second portion 1630 of the reservoir 1605 may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to the first portion 1620.
  • the device 1600 may be a single puff device 1600 or a device 1600 that is intended to be a disposable device 1600, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 1600 may be disposed. The same can be applied to any of the examples herein regarding volume of reservoir in an aerosol generating region.
  • one, both, or the other liquid reservoir 1620, 1630 may be moved to align with a flow path through the device.
  • the heater 1640 may remain stationary. As the reservoir arrangement is rotated, one reservoir is moved to be closer to the off-centre heater, such that that reservoir is the active, selected, reservoir from which an aerosol is provided.
  • the power source (for powering the heater or heating element associated with one or more aerosol generating regions) may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable. In this instance, the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may safely dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted.
  • the power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.
  • the device may have a first aerosol generating region and a second aerosol generating region.
  • the first and second aerosol generating regions may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material, up to 0.02 ml of liquid aerosol generating material or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoirs may hold far greater volumes, up to 200 ml.
  • the first flow channel, second flow channel, third flow channel, and/or any combined aerosol flow channels may be entirely distinct from each other.
  • the device may be more mechanically complex to construct and may require additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily), there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user.
  • additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily)
  • there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user by isolating the flow channels from one another, there is reduced likelihood of a previous aerosol impacting the present aerosol, by for example having condensed on the channel inside the device.
  • the reliability and consistency of the aerosol provided to a user is improved.
  • the separated flow channels may have an aerosol provided by one heater.
  • the heater may be centrally located (as per either Figs 15 or 16) and within thermal communication of the aerosol generating material containing regions.
  • the heater may be activated and one region may have airflow through it such that one aerosol is provided to a user.
  • the device may have a plurality of heaters, each of which may be activated by a specific predetermined position and corresponding electrical connection.
  • a first heating element may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. While more costly to provide more heating elements and more complex electrical circuitry, the arrangement of the heating elements and the aerosol generating regions is made simpler. In either arrangement, one or more puff sensors may be used.
  • the process of moving the moveable component alters a physical and/or electrical arrangement within the device.
  • the physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of air flow channels through the device (as per the example of Figure 3).
  • the electrical arrangement may also or alternatively refer to the physical arrangement of electrical contacts in the device.
  • any of the elements in the device may be arranged to be moved by the moveable component.
  • moving and aligning apertures for flow paths or moving heaters or reservoirs the like movement of a central portion of the device, such as a portion abutting the mouthpiece has been found to be very user friendly and can be performed with one hand.
  • the devices disclosed herein may be arranged to be easily manipulated (by simple slide, squeeze and slide, rotate, or squeeze and rotate motions) and therefore can be used by users with reduced mobility (specifically movements that can be performed one handed by the hand holding the device).
  • Movement of the moveable component may additionally or alternatively be performed with a hand, or with a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like.
  • a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like.
  • the moveable component of the device can therefore lead to a change in aerosol and/or locking of the device. This provides a great level of control over their device thereby increasing user experience.
  • the moveable component may be moved in a manner that is not rotation around a longitudinal axis of device, such as by a pushing motion into (or from) a predetermined position.
  • the moveable component may be moved by an electrical signal provided by the user to the device via an interface.
  • the signalling may be controlled by control circuitry in the device.
  • the control circuitry may provide signals to the moveable component to move and select the specific flavour.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by electronic control circuitry of the aerosol provision device. In this way, while more costly than mechanical movement from the user, the likelihood of over movement of the moveable component - for example past a stopper - is reduced. In this example, therefore, the safety of the device is increased and accordingly the lifetime of the device.
  • the indicator may comprise an electronic portion that is arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication to the user.
  • the indicator In the first position, the indicator is arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication relating to the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the indicator In the second position, the indicator is arranged to provide a visual, audio and/or haptic indication relating to the first aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the indicator may therefore contain LEDs or the like, audio emitters and vibrational elements.
  • Figure 17a shows a first aerosol generating region structure 1710, a second aerosol generating region structure 1720 and a third aerosol generating region structure 1730.
  • the first aerosol generating region structure 1710 has an inlet 1712 for airflow to enter the first aerosol generating region.
  • the first aerosol generating region structure 1710 has an outlet 1714 for airflow to leave the first aerosol generating region.
  • the first aerosol generating region structure 810 also has two airflow connecting portions 1716a, 1716b. These allow for intermixing of airflow with other complimentary aerosol generating region structures.
  • the second aerosol generating region structure 1720 has an inlet 1722 for airflow to enter the second aerosol generating region.
  • the second aerosol generating region structure 1720 has an outlet 1724 for airflow to leave the second aerosol generating region.
  • the second aerosol generating region structure 1720 has one airflow connecting portion 1726.
  • the third aerosol generating region structure 1730 has an inlet 1732 for airflow to enter the third aerosol generating region.
  • the third aerosol generating region structure 1730 has an outlet 1734 for airflow to leave the third aerosol generating region.
  • the third aerosol generating region structure 1730 has one airflow connecting portion 1736.
  • the connecting portions 1716a, 1716b for the first aerosol generating region structure are arranged on a top side of the structure.
  • the connecting portion 1726 for the second aerosol generating region structure is arranged on a bottom side of the structure.
  • the connecting portion 1736 for the third aerosol generating region is arranged on a bottom side of the structure.
  • the locations of the connecting portions may be matched based on desired combinable aerosols.
  • the first aerosol can be combined with either the second or the third.
  • the second and third are not to be combined.
  • Each arrangement may have several inlets and outlets. The arrangement varies only on whether the aerosol is allowed to intermix between the airflow paths of other aerosol generating region structures.
  • FIG. 17b there are three combinations of the structures. At the top is a combination of the second 1720 and third 1730 aerosol generating region structures. As can be seen, because the airflow connecting portions are not complimentary, there is no connection between the main airflow paths through the structures (i.e. from inlet to outlet). As such, when combining the second aerosol generating region structure 1720 with the third aerosol generating region structure 1730 we only have two separate aerosols provided, a third aerosol SAI and a second aerosol SA2.
  • FIG. 17b In the middle of Figure 17b is a combination of the third 1730 and first 1710 aerosol generating region structures. In this example, there is a complimentary connecting portion (looking at Figure 17a we can see this is connecting portion 1716b and 1736). This allows a combined aerosol CA2 to be provided from the combined first and third aerosol generating region structures 1710, 1730. At the bottom of Figure 17b is a combination of the second 1720 and first 1710 aerosol generating region structures. In this example, there is a complimentary connecting portion (looking at Figure 17a we can see this is connecting portion 1716a and 1726). This allows a combined aerosol CAI to be provided from the combined first and second aerosol generating region structures 1710, 1720.
  • cartridges, consumables or the like can be arranged for connection by a user prior to use (whether before or after insertion into a device).
  • the complimentary shapes allow for combined aerosols to be produced. These are therefore manufacturer predetermined controlled combinations that are robust and are well tested etc. This is a mechanical solution to allowing or preventing combinations of aerosols.
  • a consumable may or may not comprise the heating elements.
  • the consumable may contain only the requisite structures for allowing aerosols to combine in suitable combinations.
  • the consumable may be inserted into a device having a battery, power and control electronics, and a mouthpiece.
  • the consumable and device may provide a system that allows a user to receive a large number of aerosols and combinations of those aerosols.
  • FIG. 18 there is shown a flow chart of a method of using an aerosol provision device.
  • the method is for use in an aerosol provision system or aerosol provision device.
  • the method 1800 has steps 1805, 1810, 1815.
  • an aerosol generating material is detected in a region of the device.
  • the controller is able to detect which region contains which aerosol generating material. As such, in a device with three (for example) aerosol generating regions there may be three aerosol generating material.
  • the controller identifies which region contains which aerosol generating material.
  • the controller may communicate with a database (which may be stored locally or remotely) to identify the compatible and non-compatible aerosol generating materials. In that, if the first can be combined with the second and third, but the second cannot be combined with the third, the controller identifies the second and third as non-compatible, but the first as compatible with the second and the first as compatible with the third.
  • the controller controls the device to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • the user may have requested a single or a combined aerosol. If the user has requested a single aerosol, or a combined aerosol and the combination is allowable, the user is provided with their requested aerosol. In the event of an error (not enough aerosol generating material or a non-allowable combination) the controller may be arranged to provide an error or warning indication to the user indicating that the user cannot be provided with the requested aerosol and a reason why.
  • This provides an easy to use system that provides a large number of aerosols on request to a user.
  • the device may have any number of flow paths through the device using a number of inlets and outlets. More complex arrangements may be advantageous by virtue of more reliably preventing unexpected aerosol cross over (such as in unallowable combinations). Such arrangements can be readily envisaged from the teachings herein.
  • the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.
  • Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users.
  • rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties.
  • the rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device.
  • the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device.
  • a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user.
  • the user can easily control the aerosol provided, alongside controlling activation state of the device (e.g. a lock state or not) and also access to sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user.
  • the device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users.
  • the device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.
  • Arrangements disclosed herein provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision by the device of an aerosol.
  • the arrangement allows a user to control their device by moving a movable component to block airflow through specific flow channels in the device. By blocking and unblocking flow channels, the user may be able to make the device unable to provide one aerosol while able to provide another aerosol.
  • This arrangement therefore increases the flexibility of operation of the device. For example, the user can have one device that can provide a multitude of aerosols, rather than requiring an equal number of devices to desired aerosols.
  • a user may wish to have a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session (e.g. first 5 puffs) or at a particular part of the day (e.g. morning) and then a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session (e.g. last 5 puffs) or at another part of the day (e.g. afternoon), this can be provided by the multiple aerosol generating material containing regions within the present device.
  • a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session (e.g. first 5 puffs) or at a particular part of the day (e.g. morning) and then a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session (e.g. last 5 puffs) or at another part of the day (e.g. afternoon), this can be provided by the multiple aerosol generating material containing regions within the present device.
  • the moveable component may be arranged to be moved only by the user, and not e.g. in response to general forces impacting the device (e.g. if dropped on the floor or
  • the movement of the moveable component may be reasonably complex.
  • the movement may be a mechanically robust movement that in turn decreases the likelihood of accidental or unwanted activation of the aerosol provision device.
  • Increasing the complexity of the movement of the moveable component is also not intensive from a manufacturing standpoint.
  • the present device may provide a cost effective yet highly robust method of securing the device against accidental or unwanted activation of a certain aerosol.
  • the likelihood of accidental movement is further reduced, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation accordingly.
  • the arrangement is therefore able to provide a “plug-and-play” approach.
  • the user may activate the device for a first aerosol with a first movement of the moveable component and then, with a minor physical movement, activate the device for a second aerosol.
  • the user is informed as to which aerosol is being selected by virtue of the indicator that may provide a visual indication.
  • the moveable component may be moved using a complex or simple but intricate movement.
  • the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, performing the movement is significantly low such that the likelihood of use of the device by an inappropriate user is drastically reduced.
  • the present disclosure improves the safety of the device.
  • the system disclosed herein is an improvement over previous systems due to ease of use for users of a wide range of capabilities, improved certainty of use and removal of complex manipulations for altering between different aerosols that may be provided by the device.
  • users that have limited or impaired mobility are able to use the full capability of the device.
  • devices may be used with different aerosol generating material.
  • an age-restricted aerosol generating material may be provided with a different indication signal (or combination of signals) to a non-age-restricted aerosol generating material.
  • an age-restricted aerosol generating material is provided with an audio signal and a visual signal while a non-age-restricted aerosol generating material is provided with a different visual signal.
  • additional alerts or signals may be applied in use of age- restricted aerosol generating materials.
  • the security around use of age-restricted aerosol generating materials is increased as nearby users may be informed as to the attempt to use the device with an age-restricted aerosol generating material.
  • devices with two aerosol generating material containing regions have been discussed.
  • the devices may have more than two aerosol generating material containing regions and therefore be able to provide more than two aerosols for the user.
  • Any number of aerosol generating material containing regions may be provided. Increasing the number of aerosol generating material containing regions will increase the special requirements of the aerosol generating material containing regions and therefore the device may be larger if containing more aerosol generating material containing regions.
  • the aerosol generating material containing regions may have a smaller volume within a same sized device.
  • Any device herein may additionally include components such as a power portion comprising a power source for providing power to the aerosol generating regions to activate heaters or the like.
  • Other components such as flow sensors, microphones, or the like may be included in the devices disclosed herein.
  • the power portion may be connected to the aerosol generating regions by electrical connections. These may be moved as part of moving the moveable component in any of the examples above. Moving the moveable component relatively to the device may move the electrical contact or electrical contacts within the device. Moving the contacts may move the contacts into and out of electrical connection with the contacts of the heater associated with the first aerosol generating material containing region. Moving the contacts may move the contacts into and out of electrical connection with the contacts of the heater associated with the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the heater may be the same or the device may have two or more heaters. In this way, the moveable component can be moved to provide electrical communication required to provide heat to the selected aerosol generating material and therefore provide an aerosol to the user.
  • Moving the moveable component allows a user to align the contacts of the power portion with any of: the electrical contacts of the first aerosol generating region; the electrical contacts of the second aerosol generating region; and not connect to either contacts of the first aerosol generating region or the second aerosol generating region, such that one or another region can provide an aerosol for inhalation, or the device can be placed in a locked state where neither region provides an aerosol for inhalation.
  • the contacts may be slidable contacts. In this way, the contacts may be moved to slide along a face and connect with the contacts of the power portion when the respective contacts are aligned.
  • the contacts may be contact brushes, or the like, to assist sliding and electrical connection.
  • the contacts may be moved into alignment with contacts of the power portion.
  • either contact or contacts may be a conductive trace that can be contacted by contact brushes or pins or the like.
  • the power portion contacts may be recessed and the contacts of the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region may comprise a resilient member to bias the brushes or pins or the like into the recesses holding the contact or contacts of the power portion. In this way, a reliable and robust electrical connection can be provided after moving the moveable component into a predetermined position.
  • the moveable component may unlock the power source portion.
  • the power source portion may comprise a battery, control circuitry, puff detectors, microphones or the like for accurately initiating heating from suitable aerosol generating regions during inhalation. Unlocking the power source portion may improve ease of repair for a manufacturer or designated engineer for the device. In this way, the lifetime of the device may be improved.
  • the moveable component may unlock the power source portion to provide access to the power source portion for removing a power source from and/or inserting a power source to the power source portion.
  • Providing a user with access to the power source for removing and replacing a power source improves the ease with which the battery can be removed, recharged and/or replaced. This in turn increases the lifetime of the device over a device without access to the power source portion.
  • a user may be able to access the power source portion remove the elements therein (power source, electronics etc), and recycle the elements in a suitable way, while recycling the body of the device in another suitable way. As the body of such devices are often made from different materials (plastics etc), this reduces the environmental impact of disposal of the device.
  • the user is able to move the moveable component, remove a portion of the device near the power source portion (e.g. a bottom of the device), slide components out of the device (e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc) and recycle as electronics while the remaining device is recycled as plastics.
  • a portion of the device near the power source portion e.g. a bottom of the device
  • slide components out of the device e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc
  • Different movements may be provided to the moveable component for changing operable states of the device compared to access of the battery portion to increase the difficulty for inappropriate users to access sensitive components of the device.
  • the user may:
  • the moveable component is arranged to move around a longitudinal axis of the device.
  • Rotational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users.
  • rotational movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties.
  • the rotation of a body portion may occur while holding the device, such that a movement using only one hand can move the moveable component and change the aerosol provided to the user.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device.
  • the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device.
  • Alternatively or additional other movements may be arranged to select between aerosols.
  • the arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.
  • a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user.
  • the user can easily control the aerosol provided, alongside controlling activation state of the device (e.g. a lock state or not) and also access to sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user.
  • the device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users.
  • the device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.
  • FIG 19 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 10.
  • the aerosol provision device 10 has a first aerosol generating region 12 arranged to generate a first aerosol.
  • the aerosol provision device 10 has a second aerosol generating region 14 arranged to generate a second aerosol.
  • the aerosol provision device 10 has a rotatable mouthpiece 16 with an outlet to provide aerosol from the aerosol provision device 10 to a user.
  • the user is able to rotate the mouthpiece 16 to connect the flow path of the mouthpiece 16 and outlet to the first 12 or the second 14 aerosol generating region.
  • the user is required to touch the mouthpiece 16 in this device 10.
  • the mouthpiece 16 may be rotated in the direction of arrow A around a central axis of the device 10.
  • Figure 20 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 2000 according to the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision device 2000 has at least one inlet 2002 through which air can enter the device 2000.
  • the aerosol provision device 2000 has at least one outlet 2004 through which aerosol within the device 2000 can pass.
  • the device 2000 has a first aerosol generating region 2010 arranged to generate a first aerosol.
  • the device 2000 has a second aerosol generating region 2020 arranged to generate a first aerosol.
  • the device 2000 has a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 2002, at least one outlet 2004 and the first aerosol generating region 2010.
  • the device 2000 has a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 2002, at least one outlet 2004 and the second aerosol generating region 2020.
  • the device 2000 has a moveable component 2030 arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position and a third position. In the first position, the moveable component 2030 at least partially blocks the second flow channel and, in the second position, the moveable component 2030 at least partially blocks the first flow channel and, in the third position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The movement of the moveable component 2030 between the third position and the first position is different to the movement of the moveable component 2030 between the third position and the second position.
  • the aerosol generating regions 2010, 2020 may comprise a heating element or the like for providing an aerosol from an aerosol generating material located, in use, in the aerosol generating regions 2010, 2020.
  • the device 2000 may have one heating element per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer.
  • the device 2000 may have one heating element in total.
  • the device 2000 may have control circuitry and a puff detector, microphone or the like for activating the heating element or elements in the aerosol provision device 2000.
  • the device 2000 may have one puff detector (or the like) per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer or have one puff detector in total.
  • the moveable component 2030 is shown in Figure 20.
  • the moveable component 2030 may move between predetermined positions.
  • the moveable component 2030 may move in different ways (different directions, different axes, different combinations of movements, etc) to access different predetermined positions.
  • the user holds the moveable component 2030 and moves the moveable component 2030 so that the moveable component 2030 blocks specific flow paths in the device 2000.
  • the user may contact the device 2000 away from the mouthpiece 2040 and move the moveable component 2030.
  • the movement action to move the moveable component may be done with two hands, or one hand to increase accessibility for certain users.
  • the user may move the moveable component 2030 to the first position by moving the component in a pulling motion.
  • the user may move the moveable component 2030 to the second position by moving the component in a twisting motion.
  • the user may move the moveable component 2030 to the third position by moving the component in a squeezing motion.
  • the first position the user is provided with a first aerosol (as the second aerosol generating region 2020 is blocked).
  • the second position the user is provided with a second aerosol (as the first aerosol generating region 2010 is blocked).
  • the third position may be a locked or stored position as both flow channels are blocked and the user may not be provided with an aerosol from either the first 2010 or the second 2020 aerosol generating region. In this way, a user may be provided with multiple aerosols from a single device, which also providing a secure locked state using the same mechanism. This is therefore a very space-efficient and resource-efficient device that provides a high level of user enjoyment.
  • the first flow channel and second flow channel share some portion of their flow channels.
  • the first flow path and second flow path may be entirely separate.
  • flow paths and flow channels may be used herein interchangeably.
  • the moveable component 2030 is shown in Figure 20 between the outlet 2004 and the aerosol generating regions 2010, 2020.
  • the moveable component 2030 abuts a portion containing the outlet 2004 and the aerosol generating regions 2010, 2020.
  • the portion containing the outlet 2004 may be a mouthpiece portion for example.
  • the moveable component 2030 may be “between” a mouthpiece portion and the first 2010 and the second 2020 aerosol generating regions in the sense of being upstream of the mouthpiece and downstream of the first 2010 and the second 2020 aerosol generating regions.
  • “Upstream” and “downstream” here are used to refer to the flow path(s) or flow channel(s).
  • Upstream is therefore earlier in the flow path and “downstream” is later in the flow path, such that airflow flows past an upstream element before a downstream element.
  • the flow path (or flow channel) will typically start at an inlet and end at an outlet.
  • the elements relevant to the flow path can therefore be relatively closer to the inlet (upstream) or relatively closer to the outlet (downstream).
  • a portion of the moveable component 2030 may be located between the mouthpiece portion and the first 2010 and the second 2020 aerosol generating regions.
  • the location of a portion of the moveable component 2030 upstream of the mouthpiece improves the ease of use of the moveable component 2030 as the user can operate the flavour switching of the device 2000 without needing to hold the mouthpiece portion which may be unhygienic.
  • the mouthpiece portion is a designated portion containing at least one outlet that is suitable to be received in the mouth of a user. In this way, the mouthpiece portion may be of a suitable size, of a suitable material, of a suitable shape for enjoyable mouth feel for the user.
  • At least a portion of the moveable component 2040 is therefore located in an easily accessible area of the device 2000 (upstream of the mouthpiece).
  • the position of the moveable component 2030 may be located where a user’s thumb typically is placed on an elongate housing, such as may be used (and, indeed, is typical) for the device 2000.
  • a user’s thumb easily moves the moveable component 2030 such that a change in flavour is provided from the device 2000. The user therefore does not need to adjust their grip or touch the mouthpiece. Both of these increase the user experience via synergistically improving ease of use and increasing enjoyment of use.
  • a user’s single hand may be able to move the moveable component 2030 via any of a pulling, pushing, twisting or squeezing motion. As such, this is advantageous over devices that require two hands to manipulate portions of the device. Not only, but specifically for user’s with reduced manual mobility or the like.
  • the device 2000 is elongate. In some examples, the device has a circular cross section. In some examples, the device 2000 is cylindrical. In this example, the moveable component 2030 may be in the form of collar as a separated portion of the outer housing. The moveable component 2030 may be movable separate from the rest of the outer housing. In this way, a mechanical solution is provided for flavour switching in a device 2000. The user is able to move the moveable component 2030 between at least three positions. The moveable component 2030 is therefore a reliable and robust method of flavour switching in a single aerosol provision device 2000 enabling switching with reduced user effort, compared to e.g. swapping out an aerosol generating material container from within the device 2000.
  • the present device 2000 also provides a locked state that may be highly advantageous for storage and antileakage (storing a device in an active mode increases the likelihood of leakage, while blocking both the aerosol flow paths blocks the liquid that may leak from the device during long-term storage or temporary storage such as on flights, trains or the like). As such, the present device provides advantages in both cleanliness and user experience.
  • Examples as disclosed herein are able to provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision by the device of an aerosol.
  • arrangements allow a user to control their device by moving a movable component to block airflow through specific flow channels in the device. By blocking and unblocking flow channels, the user may be able to make the device unable to provide one aerosol while able to provide another aerosol.
  • the arrangements therefore, increase the flexibility of the operation of the device. For example, the user can have one device that can provide a multitude of aerosols, rather than requiring an equal number of devices for each desired aerosol.
  • the user may wish to have a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session (e.g. first 5 puffs) or at a particular part of the day (e.g. morning) and then a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session (e.g. last 5 puffs) or at another part of the day (e.g. afternoon).
  • a first aerosol provided at the start of a use session e.g. first 5 puffs
  • a different aerosol provided at the end of a use session
  • another part of the day e.g. afternoon
  • the moveable component may be arranged to be moved only by the user, and not e.g. in response to general forces impacting the device (e.g. if dropped on the floor or while in a bag during transit).
  • the moveable component between the mouthpiece portion and the aerosol generating regions, the user does not need to e.g. touch or move the mouthpiece or touch or move the portion of the device that may contain aerosol generating material. Such portions may be less clean as having aerosol generating material or saliva or the like on them. As such, the arrangements of the devices herein improve the cleanliness of the use process and therefore further improves the user experience.
  • the movement of the moveable component may be reasonably complex.
  • the movement may be a mechanically robust movement that in turn decreases the likelihood of accidental or unwanted activation of the aerosol provision device.
  • Increasing the complexity of the movement of the moveable component is also not intensive from a manufacturing standpoint.
  • the present devices may provide a cost effective yet highly robust method of securing the device against accidental or unwanted activation of a certain aerosol.
  • the likelihood of accidental movement is further reduced, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation accordingly.
  • the arrangement is therefore able to provide a “plug-and-play” approach.
  • the user may activate the devices for a first aerosol with a first movement of the moveable component and then, with a minor physical movement, activate the devices for a second aerosol.
  • the moveable component may be moved using a complex or simple but intricate movement.
  • the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, performing the movement is significantly low such that the likelihood of use of the device by an inappropriate user is drastically reduced.
  • the present disclosure improves the safety of the device.
  • the systems disclosed herein provide improvements over previous systems due to ease of use, overall improved cleanliness and removal of complex manipulations for altering between different aerosols that may be provided by the device.
  • the device may be arranged to be stored with the moveable component 2030 in the third position. In this way, less leakage occurs and accidental activation is less likely.
  • the use pattern of the device may be to move the moveable component from the third position to either the first position or second position for the user to be provided with either the first aerosol or second aerosol. When the user is finished the user may move the moveable component to the third position.
  • the user may move the moveable component from the third position to the first position, then back to the third position and then to the second position.
  • the third position (the stored or locked or off position) may be the default position for the device.
  • the moveable component may be biased to return to the third position such that when the user is finished with the device, the user need not move the moveable component to the third position, rather the device ensures the moveable component returns to the third position. This may be achieved using an arrangement of biased members or the like.
  • the movement to the first position is different to the movement to the second position.
  • first movement does not mean for example a first movement of a rotation of 45 degrees of the movable component around the longitudinal axis of the device and a second movement of a further 45 degree rotation. Rather if the first movement is a rotational movement of some for, the second movement may be a translational movement or the like.
  • Different movement refers to the form of movement rather than, say, the extent of the movement.
  • the movements may be combinations of movements. Broadly, the more complex the movement is to access a position, the less likely an accidental selection of that position (and therefore aerosol for provision). In use, the first aerosol generating region provides a different aerosol to the second aerosol generating region.
  • the movement of the moveable component between the third position and the first position is one of a lateral movement; a longitudinal movement; a rotational movement; a combined lateral and longitudinal movement; a combined lateral and rotational movement; a combined longitudinal and rotational movement; and a combined lateral, longitudinal and rotational movement.
  • the movement of the moveable component between the third position and the second position is a different one of a lateral movement; a longitudinal movement; a rotational movement; a combined lateral and longitudinal movement; a combined lateral and rotational movement; a combined longitudinal and rotational movement; and a combined lateral, longitudinal and rotational movement.
  • combinations of movements are more robust against accidental activation and improve resilience against unauthorised user attempts to access the device (such as underage users).
  • combinations of movements may allow for more aerosol generating regions than just the first and second aerosol generating regions in the example of Figure 20. Therefore a device with a large number of possible aerosols may be provided, each having a different moveable component movement to access the corresponding aerosol generating region and therefore access the aerosol.
  • Complex motions may however increase the difficulty for authorised users with reduced mobility or the like.
  • FIG 21 there is shown a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 2100 according to an example.
  • Device 2100 has similar features to those in device 2000 of Figure 20. Similar features have been numbered the same but with an increase of 2000, e.g. inlet 2002 of Figure 20 provides the same function as inlet 202 of Figure 21. Some similar features will not be discussed in detail here beyond saying the same function is provided by such similar features.
  • the device 2100 has a mouthpiece portion 2140 that contains at least one air outlet 2104.
  • the mouthpiece 2140 is designed to fit comfortably in the mouth of a user. The user inhales on the mouthpiece 2140 and aerosol is provided to the user from within the device 2000.
  • Device 2100 of Figure 21 has a moveable component 2130 with a main body portion 2132 and a cap portion 2136.
  • the main body portion 2132 is adjacent the mouthpiece 2140.
  • the main body portion is downstream of both aerosol generating regions 2110, 2120.
  • the main body portion 2132 is upstream of the mouthpiece 2140.
  • the cap portion 2136 extends over the upstream ends of the aerosol generating regions 2110, 2120.
  • the moveable component 2130 may be moved by a rotational motion, as illustrated by the arrow B in Figure 21. This may move the moveable component from a third position to a first position.
  • the moveable component 2130 may be moved by a translational motion, as illustrated by the arrow C in Figure 21. This may move the moveable component from a third position to a second position.
  • any other movement may be that which moves the moveable component into and out of predetermined positions.
  • a simple movement such as a rotation is likely accessible to most users. While a complex motion may increase the prevention of accidental movement e.g. when the device 2100 is being transported in a bag or pocket or the like, this may be hard for users with reduced mobility to recreate. As such, a balance should be made between these two competing desires.
  • Different movements are used to move the moveable component 2130 to the first position and to the second position respectively. This provides more clarity for the user in knowing which aerosol to expect from the device.
  • the main body portion 2132 of the moveable component 2130 is connected to the arm portion 2134 which is connected to the cap portion 2136.
  • the arm portion 2134 rotates and therefore the cap 2136 rotates.
  • the arm portion 2134 may comprise one or more arms or the like.
  • the cap 2136 rotates around a central axis of device 2100.
  • an arrangement 2200 of a device portion including a moveable component for preventing the moveable component moving beyond predetermined positions within a device may be a portion of a device as per box X of Figure 21.
  • the arrangement 2200 has an aerosol provision device housing 2210.
  • Within the housing 2210 is an array of predetermined positions 2220.
  • the array of predetermined positions 2220 has a first predetermined position 2222, a second predetermined position 2224, a third predetermined position 2226, and a fourth predetermined position 2228.
  • the moveable component may have a projection that enters a recess located at each of the predetermined positions 2220.
  • the moveable component may have a resilient member arranged to extend into a recess at a predetermined position 320 when suitably aligned or arranged to bias a projection (or electrical contact) into a recess when suitably aligned.
  • the projection may comprise a resilient member to bias the projection into the recess when the moveable component reaches a predetermined position during movement.
  • the projection may be a spring and ball bearing or the like. Alternatively, a resilient plastic piece with a bump in it (or the like) for providing pressure towards the recess.
  • the moveable component may comprise the projection or the recess or an arrangement chosen to mirror the arrangements of the device so that the predetermined positions are moved to and securely selectable by a user.
  • the flow path through the first aerosol generating region is allowed, thereby supplying the user with aerosol from the first aerosol generating region.
  • the flow path through the second aerosol generating region is allowed, thereby supplying the user with aerosol from the second aerosol generating region.
  • a further aerosol maybe provided from a further aerosol generating region.
  • the arrangement 2200 has a pair of stoppers 2230.
  • the stoppers 2232, 2234 prevent the moveable component from moving beyond the predetermined positions 2220.
  • the stoppers 2232, 2234 may physically (or otherwise) prevent the movement of a projection or a resilient member and therefore provide feedback to the user that further movement in the same direction is not permitted.
  • the stoppers 330 may be arranged adjacent, or reasonably proximal to, the outermost predetermined positions 2222, 2228 (in the example of Figure 22). The use of a stopper, or stoppers, improves the overall safety of the aerosol provision device disclosed herein.
  • the stoppers 2230 may be arranged to limit movement to a specific number of degrees of movement (for example) or a certain distance of translation or insertion. In some examples, stoppers 2230 may prevent movement beyond a certain amount of degrees of the moveable component.
  • the stoppers 2230 and the predetermined positions may demonstrate latching behaviour when interacting with the moveable component to help inform the user of the allowed range of movements of the moveable component. This increases the safety and reliability of the device, by reducing the likelihood of a user moving the moveable component too far and potentially damaging the device. Preventing over-movement in a certain direction has also been shown to reduce the likelihood of leakage from the device. As such, stoppers are advantageous for this reason.
  • the predetermined positions may not be aligned on a plane (e.g. a first movement may be a translation, while a second is rotational). Each predetermined position may have stoppers arranged suitably to prevent over-movement in that direction. This improves the lifetime of the device and reduces the likelihood of accidental damage to the device during movement of the moveable component.
  • the device In the third position the device may be in an inoperable mode, i.e. a locked state.
  • the moveable component may, at rest, be in the third position.
  • the moveable component is latched, i.e. the moveable component is secured and at least slightly prevented from moving away from this position. Such latching may occur by aligning of a resilient member or projection and a recess or the like.
  • the resilient member/proj ection projects into the recess and some additional mechanical effort is required to move the moveable component out of the recess and into a further predetermined position, such as position 2228.
  • This may provide the device with an “off’ position into which the device can be put after the conclusion of a smoking session.
  • the moveable component may be biased into the third position to ensure the device puts itself into a locked state after a use session has concluded.
  • the device When the moveable component is moved to the third position, the device may be inoperable, for example this may be in a sleep mode or a locked mode or an “off’ mode or the like. In this position, the moveable component may block at least one flow channel. In this position, the moveable component may block some portion of all flow channels in the device, to prevent an aerosol from being provided to a user. While in one of these modes (lock, sleep, etc), the user cannot receive an aerosol from the device without changing the mode. The user may change the mode by moving the moveable component into a different predetermined position. Any predetermined position may be a latched position, i.e. a position from which additional effort is required from the user to move out of the predetermined position.
  • position 2240 there are positions between the predetermined positions indicated 2220, such as position 2240.
  • position 2240 is not considered a predetermined position 2220 as the moveable component will not latch into place in position 2240.
  • the positions that are not “predetermined positions” are not intended for the user to move the moveable component to and then leave the moveable component in. As such, moving the moveable component from a non-predetermined effort requires no additional effort from the user.
  • the aerosol provision device is configured to be in an inoperable mode when the movable component is in a non-predetermined position.
  • the moveable component will not appropriately block or not block flow channels in the device in a predetermined manner.
  • the device may either provide an aerosol that has not been predetermined by the manufacturer, or not provide an aerosol at all. This would lead to a poor user experience.
  • Non-predetermined therefore means nonpredetermined by the manufacturer when the device is designed and provided for use.
  • the moveable component is arranged to provide tactile feedback when in a predetermined position. In this way, the user may be informed when the moveable component is in a predetermined position and can be expected to operate in a predetermined manner. As the movement of the moveable component affects the aerosol provided by the device, inaccurate positioning of the moveable component may result in poor aerosol delivery, whether by inaccurate blocking of flow channels or poor alignment of electrical connections or the like. As such, the user experience of the device may be improved by providing some form of feedback to the user when the moveable component is in a predetermined position. Such an arrangement also increases the reliability of the overall device.
  • the feedback may be tactile, this may be provided by an arrangement of projections and recesses (the tactile aspect of a projection slotting into the recess), or may be electrical, for example a sensor may provide a visual or audible indication when the moveable component is in a predetermined position.
  • the device has a device housing for housing the components of the device.
  • the housing may comprise indicators indicating the locations of the predetermined positions.
  • Such indicators may be graphics on the housing that may be arrow heads, which can be aligned with indicators on the moveable component. In this way, the user may be informed as to where the predetermined positions are and thereby be discouraged from moving the moveable component beyond the predetermined positions. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the device and therefore increases the lifetime of the device.
  • Such indicators also decrease the likelihood of the device being put in a non-predetermined position and therefore being in an inoperable mode. In this way, the user experience is also improved.
  • predetermined positions specific flow channels are blocked allowing an aerosol from unblocked aerosol generating region (or aerosol generating regions, where combinations of aerosol are provided by the device).
  • a non-predetermined position e.g. between the second and third predetermined positions, the first and second flow channels may be partially open and therefore the device may provide a combined first and second aerosol to a user. If the user is not expecting such an aerosol, it may decrease the user experience of the device.
  • the device in non-predetermined position the device may be arranged to not be able to provide an aerosol, i.e. be in an inoperable mode. This assists against an unexpected, and potentially low quality aerosol, being provided to the user and decreasing user experience.
  • the moveable component in the first position, is arranged to block airflow through at least one flow channel.
  • the moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow from inlet 2002 into the second aerosol generating region 2020 (numerals as per Figure 20).
  • the moveable component may be arranged to entirely block the airflow through the flow channel by, for example, preventing airflow from the second aerosol generating region 2020 to outlet 2004 (numerals as per Figure 20). The same holds for the second position and blocking the first aerosol generating region 2010.
  • device 2000 may have a series of inlets.
  • the moveable component 2040 blocks a part of the air flow channel and entirely prevents airflow through the channel and therefore prevents an aerosol being provided to the user from the first aerosol generating region 2030 from the outlet 2004.
  • Entirely blocking the airflow channel also prevents an aerosol being provided to the user, for example, by blocking the inlet, the opening to an aerosol generating region, the outlet from the aerosol generating region and the outlet from the device.
  • the cap portion of the moveable component may have an aperture. Moving the moveable component may move the aperture.
  • the aperture aligns with a specific flow path e.g. through the first aerosol generating region or the second aerosol generating region airflow through that region is allowed and the region provides an aerosol that is provided from the outlet. In this way, movement may be able to provide blocking of certain flow paths while unblocking others via movement of the aperture.
  • the main body portion may have an aperture that may be aligned with an outlet from the aerosol generating region. When aligned, that particular aerosol generating region experiences a through flow of air and is able to provide an aerosol to the outlet of the device.
  • the device may comprise control circuitry arranged to control generation of aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and second aerosol generating region.
  • the control circuitry may be arranged, in use, to selectively activate either the first aerosol generating region or second aerosol generating region to generate either a first aerosol or a second aerosol respectively. This provides an electrical mechanisms for controlling the provision of specific aerosols to a user. Above mechanical mechanisms have been discussed.
  • electrical mechanisms may be employed to prevent activation of multiple aerosol generating regions at once - unless, as noted above, aerosol combinations are provided by the device and suitably requested by the user (such as the fourth position from Figure 4 may correspond to a combined first-second aerosol wherein an aerosol is provided from both the first aerosol generating region and second aerosol generating region).
  • the control circuitry may operate by providing an activation signal to the first aerosol generating region when the moveable component is in the first position; an activation signal to the second aerosol generating region when the moveable component is in the second position; and, a deactivation signal to the first aerosol generating region and second aerosol generating region when the moveable component is in the third position.
  • Each aerosol generating region may contain a flow detector or flow sensor such as a microphone or pressure sensor or the like that detects when a flow through the aerosol generating region occurs.
  • control circuitry may signal for a heater to activate to provide an aerosol from that aerosol generating region.
  • the moveable component may move to block airflow past the flow sensor of the aerosol generating region not intended for use in that position, e.g. in the first position, the first flow path is blocked, the first aerosol generating region flow detector does not detect a flow and so the first aerosol is not provided.
  • moveable component may align an aperture with an inlet or outlet of the second aerosol generating region which means there is an airflow through the second aerosol generating region.
  • the airflow is detected by the flow detector in the second aerosol generating region. This is detected and a signal sent to control circuitry.
  • the control circuitry signals a heater to operate to form an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating region. This provides a robust and reliable device that is mechanically straightforward to construct and use.
  • a simple motion may be more user-friendly for a movement-impaired user.
  • the user wishing to use the device, change the flavour from the device and put the device in an inoperable mode, may prefer a simpler motion, such as rotation of a portion of the device around a small number of degrees, such as between 30 and 90 degrees.
  • rotating the moveable component of the device anticlockwise by 90 degrees renders the device useable (i.e. unlocks the device and selects a first flavour) and rotating a portion of the device clockwise 90 degrees renders the device temporarily un-useable (i.e. locks the device).
  • a less complex motion may improve user experience of the device.
  • the user may unlock the device and select a second flavour.
  • a more complex motion such as squeezing a portion of the device and then rotating may be more difficult for an inappropriate user to perform, thereby decreasing the likelihood of inappropriate users being able to use the device. This may however impact the appropriate user’s user experience of the device. Combinations of motions such a squeeze and rotate, or translate then rotate are more difficult to replicate and are less likely to occur during, e.g., normal motion associated with the device for example when being carried in luggage during travel. As such, a more complex motion also has improved resistance to accidental motion changing the device from inactive (locked) to active (unlocked, with first or second flavour selected) states.
  • the device herein therefore provides a simple mechanical solution for selection of flavour a device that is easy to manufacture, very hygienic and robust during periods of use and non-use.
  • the device is therefore cheaper to produce, reliable during use and non-use and accordingly provides an improved user experience.
  • the device further comprises control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined position that is a locked position or a predetermined inoperable position.
  • control circuitry arranged to prevent activation of the aerosol provision device when either the moveable component is not in a predetermined position, or the moveable component is in a predetermined position that is a locked position or a predetermined inoperable position.
  • the user may be able to move the movable component 2040 to a number, or series, of predetermined positions.
  • a “predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is intended, by the manufacturer, to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. That outcome may be the provision of a specific aerosol from a specific region within the device, such as a first aerosol from a first aerosol generating region, or a second aerosol from a second aerosol generating region, or a locked effect wherein the device cannot be used.
  • a “non-predetermined position” is used herein to refer to a position that is not intended by the manufacturer to provide a predetermined outcome from the device. This may be, for example, one or more positions that are between, or beyond, predetermined positions, as discussed with reference to Figure 22.
  • the device may further comprise a stopper to prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions.
  • the stopper may therefore provide further control over the positioning of the moveable component.
  • the stopper may be a physical element that physically opposes attempts to move the moveable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.
  • the stopper may be an electrical and/or magnetic component that electrically/magnetically opposed attempts to move the movable component beyond the range of predetermined positions.
  • Figures 23 and 24 show a cross-sectional view of a device 2300, 2400.
  • the device 2300, in Figure 23 has a housing 2310 that holds a first aerosol generating region 2320 and a second aerosol generating region 2330. Each region may have an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like.
  • the device 2300 has a heater 2340 located so that the heater 2340 can heat a region.
  • the moveable component may be connected to the heater such that the moveable component can be moved and, in turn, move the heater in an array of directions. In an example, rotating the moveable component moves the heater in the direction shown by arrow D.
  • the heater In pushing the movement component, the heater may be translated within the body of the device and therefore moved towards a different reservoir. By rotating the heater, the user can control whether a reservoir is close to the heating element 2340. This may be alongside movement of an aperture (or the like) to align with an airflow path to allow airflow through a specific aerosol generating region.
  • the heating element 2340 may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region 2320 and the second aerosol generating region 2330, dependent on the movement provided by the moveable component to the reservoirs.
  • a device according to the present disclosure may have one heating element for more than one reservoir.
  • the device 2400 may have a first aerosol generating region 2410.
  • the moveable component 2430 contains a heater 2434 and may be moved along the direction shown by arrow E.
  • the example of Figure 24 is in the third position (i.e. locked).
  • the heater 2434 may be moved to the first aerosol generating region 2410.
  • the aerosol generating material within the region 2410 is then heated and a user may be provided with an aerosol.
  • a device that can provide a first aerosol from a pushing motion and a second aerosol from a rotating motion.
  • the moveable component may move the heater or may move the reservoirs or aerosol generating regions.
  • the moveable component may therefore provide relative movement between the heater and the aerosol generating regions.
  • the device 2400 may provide one heater thereby reducing the cost of production against a device with multiple heaters. This also advantageously provides a reduction in the electronic complexity of the device 2400.
  • the device has aerosol generating regions that may store aerosol generating material.
  • the regions may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the regions may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the regions may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices.
  • Certain aerosol generating regions may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to other aerosol generating regions.
  • the device 2400 may be a single puff device 2400 or a device 2400 that is intended to be a disposable device 2400, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 500 may be disposed. The same can be applied to any of the examples herein regarding volume of reservoir in an aerosol generating region.
  • the power source (for powering the heater or heating element associated with one or more aerosol generating regions) may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable.
  • the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may safely dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted.
  • the power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.
  • the device may have a first aerosol generating material reservoir and a second aerosol generating material reservoir.
  • the first aerosol generating material reservoir may be in the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating material reservoir may be in the second aerosol generating region.
  • the reservoirs may be separated by some distance.
  • the first and second reservoirs may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material, up to 0.02 ml of liquid aerosol generating material or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoirs may hold far greater volumes, up to 200 ml.
  • the first flow channel and second flow channel may be entirely distinct from each other.
  • the device may be more mechanically complex to construct and may require additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily), there is a reduced likelihood of a mixed aerosol being provided to a user.
  • additional electronics such as puff sensors and heaters (though not necessarily)
  • the separated flow channels may have an aerosol provided by one heater.
  • the heater may be centrally located, whether offset or otherwise, (as per Fig 23) or be offset from the centre of the device (as per Fig 24) and within thermal communication of the aerosol generating material reservoirs.
  • the heater may be activated and one reservoir may have airflow through it such that one aerosol is provided to a user.
  • the device may have a plurality of heaters, each of which may be activated by a specific predetermined position and corresponding electrical connection.
  • a first heating element may be arranged to provide an aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and a second heating element arranged to provide an aerosol from the second aerosol generating region. While more costly to provide more heating elements and more complex electrical circuitry, the arrangement of the heating elements and the aerosol generating regions is made simpler. In either arrangement, one or more puff sensors may be used. Furthermore, using separate heaters and fully separate flow paths, the likelihood of contamination of one aerosol with the previously used aerosol is lower. So while device cost and complexity is slightly higher, the purity of provided aerosol is higher.
  • the first aerosol generating region may therefore comprise a first atomizing unit comprising a first flow sensor.
  • the second aerosol generating region may comprise a second atomizing unit comprising a second flow sensor.
  • the moveable component In the first position, the moveable component may be arranged to prevent airflow passing the second flow sensor, in the second position, the moveable component may be arranged to prevent airflow passing the first flow sensor, and, in the third position, the moveable component is arranged to prevent airflow passing the first flow sensor and the second flow sensor.
  • the process of moving the moveable component alters a physical and/or electrical arrangement within the device.
  • the physical arrangement may refer to the physical arrangement of air flow channels through the device.
  • the electrical arrangement may also or alternatively refer to the physical arrangement of electrical contacts in the device.
  • any of the elements in the device may be arranged to be moved by the moveable component.
  • moving and aligning apertures for flow paths or moving heaters or reservoirs the like Movement of a central portion of the device, such as a portion abutting the mouthpiece has been found to be very user friendly and can be performed with one hand.
  • the devices disclosed herein may be arranged to be easily manipulated (by simple slide, squeeze and slide, rotate, or squeeze and rotate motions) and therefore can be used by users with reduced mobility (specifically movements that can be performed one handed by the hand holding the device).
  • Movement of the moveable component may additionally or alternatively be performed with a hand, or with a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like.
  • a small tool or coin such as turning a screw or the like.
  • the moveable component of the device can therefore lead to a change in aerosol and/or locking of the device. This provides a great level of control over their device thereby increasing user experience.
  • the moveable component may be moved in a manner that is not rotation around a longitudinal axis of device, such as by a pushing motion into (or from) a predetermined position.
  • the moveable component may be moved by an electrical signal provided by the user to the device via an interface.
  • the signalling may be controlled by control means in the form of a processor, referred to herein as control circuitry, in the device.
  • control circuitry By inputting a specific flavour selection, the control circuitry may provide signals to the moveable component to move and select the specific flavour.
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by electronic control circuitry of the aerosol provision device.
  • the likelihood of over movement of the moveable component - for example past a stopper - is reduced.
  • the safety of the device is increased and accordingly the lifetime of the device.
  • FIG 25 there is shown an example of an aerosol provision device 2500 according to an example.
  • the device is similar to the devices of Figures 20 and 21, with similar components shown with their numerals starting with “25” as compared to “20” and “21” for Figures 20 and 21 respectively.
  • the device 600 has the same function as the device 2000 from Figure 20 and the device 2100 from Figure 21. Some components will not be discussed in detail but provide the same function as those discussed in detail in those Figures.
  • the moveable component 2530 has a main body portion 2532, arm portion 2534 and a cap portion 2536.
  • the arm portion 2534 and cap portion 2536 are within a housing portion 2505a of the device 2500.
  • the housing 2505a, 2505b covers certain elements of the device 2500, this may increase safety and assist in providing a space for including a mechanical arrangement for the components within the device 2500.
  • the main body portion 2532 is not contained within a housing. As such, the user is able to directly grip and move the main body portion 2532. The user is therefore able to move the moveable component 2530 via the main body portion 2532. In an example, the user is to rotate the main body portion 2532 as per arrow F. In doing so, the user is able to move the arm portion 2534 and the cap portion 2536 within the housing.
  • the cap portion may contain an aperture or the like that can be aligned, via the rotation, with openings to the first aerosol generating region 2510 or second aerosol generating region 2520. In this way, the user is able to alter flow paths or the like to select either the first aerosol generating region 2510 or second aerosol generating region 2520 for providing an aerosol for inhalation.
  • the moveable component 2530 may also be moved as per arrow G to allow production of aerosol from a different aerosol generating region.
  • the moveable component 2530 may be squeezed and moved into the housing 2505a, 2505b during such a movement.
  • Any device herein may additionally include components such as a power portion comprising a power source for providing power to the aerosol generating regions to activate heaters or the like.
  • the power portion may be connected to the aerosol generating regions by electrical connections. These may be moved as part of moving the moveable component in any of the examples above. Moving the moveable component relatively to the device may move the electrical contact or electrical contacts connected to the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region to the contact or contacts of the power portion.
  • Moving the moveable component allows a user to align the contacts of the power portion with any of: the electrical contacts of the first aerosol generating region; the electrical contacts of the second aerosol generating region; and not connect to either contacts of the first aerosol generating region or the second aerosol generating region, such that one or another region can provide an aerosol for inhalation, or the device can be placed in a locked state where neither region provides an aerosol for inhalation.
  • the contacts may be slidable contacts. In this way, the contacts may be moved to slide along a face and connect with the contacts of the power portion when the respective contacts are aligned.
  • the contacts may be contact brushes, or the like, to assist sliding and electrical connection.
  • the contacts may be moved into alignment with contacts of the power portion.
  • either contact or contacts may be a conductive trace which can be contacted by contact brushes or pins or the like.
  • the power portion contacts may be recessed and the contacts of the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region may comprise a resilient member to bias the brushes or pins or the like into the recesses holding the contact or contacts of the power portion. In this way, a reliable and robust electrical connection can be provided after moving the moveable component into a predetermined position.
  • the moveable component may unlock the power source portion.
  • the power source portion may comprise a battery, control circuitry, puff detectors, microphones or the like for accurately initiating heating from suitable aerosol generating regions during inhalation. Unlocking the power source portion may improve ease of repair for a manufacturer or designated engineer for the device. In this way, the lifetime of the device may be improved.
  • the moveable component may unlock the power source portion to provide access to the power source portion for removing a power source from and/or inserting a power source to the power source portion.
  • Providing a user with access to the power source for removing and replacing a power source improves the ease with which the battery can be removed, recharged and/or replaced. This in turn increases the lifetime of the device over a device without access to the power source portion.
  • a user may be able to access the power source portion remove the elements therein (power source, electronics etc), and recycle the elements in a suitable way, while recycling the body of the device in another suitable way. As the body of such devices are often made from different materials (plastics etc), this reduces the environmental impact of disposal of the device.
  • the user is able to move the moveable component, remove a portion of the device near the power source portion (e.g. a bottom of the device), slide components out of the device (e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc) and recycle as electronics while the remaining device is recycled as plastics.
  • a portion of the device near the power source portion e.g. a bottom of the device
  • slide components out of the device e.g. circuit boards, PCBs, batteries, microphones etc
  • Different movements may be provided to the moveable component for changing operable states of the device compared to access of the battery portion to increase the difficulty for inappropriate users to access sensitive components of the device.
  • the user may: rotate to change to a first aerosol; push (translate) to change to a second aerosol; and, squeeze and push (translate) the moveable component to access the power portion.
  • the consumable 2600 has a moveable component 2630.
  • the consumable 2600 has a first aerosol generating region 2610 and a second aerosol generating region 2620.
  • the consumable 2600 has at least one inlet 2611, 2621 through which air can enter the consumable 2600.
  • the consumable 2600 has at least one outlet 2636 through which air can exit the consumable 2600.
  • the consumable 2600 has a first flow channel 2613, 2637 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 2611, at least one outlet 2636 and the first aerosol generating region 2610.
  • the consumable 2600 has a second flow channel 2623, 2637 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 2621, at least one outlet 2636 and the second aerosol generating region 2620.
  • the moveable component 2630 is arranged to move between at least a first and a second position.
  • the moveable component 2630 In a first position, the moveable component 2630 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 2611, 2637. In a second position (not shown), the moveable component 2630 at least partially blocks the second flow channel 2621, 2637.
  • the example shown in Figure 26 show a consumable 2600 with a moveable component 2630 that may be inserted into an aerosol provision device or an aerosol provision system or the like.
  • the moveable component 2630 is moved as per earlier examples and allows a user to select the aerosol generating material to activate the device/system with. This leads to a controllable and selectable experience for the user while maintaining the high levels of hygiene as per earlier examples.
  • Rotation as per arrow G is, in examples, the movement user by a user to move the moveable component 2630.
  • Translation as per arrow H may be used to access a different aerosol from a different aerosol generating region.
  • the method 2700 has steps 2705, 2710, 2715, 2720, 2725, 2730.
  • a moveable component is moved to a first position, wherein moving the moveable component comprises at least partially unblocking a first flow channel.
  • a first aerosol is generated from a first aerosol generating region.
  • the first aerosol is provided through a first flow channel to an outlet. This is a use pattern for the devices disclosed herein.
  • a moveable component is moved to a second position, wherein moving the moveable component comprises at least partially unblocking a second flow channel.
  • moving the moveable component comprises at least partially unblocking a second flow channel.
  • a second aerosol is generated from a second aerosol generating region.
  • the second aerosol is provided through a second flow channel to an outlet.
  • moving the moveable component to a first position comprises a first movement and moving the moveable component to a second position comprises a second movement, wherein the first movement is different to the second movement.
  • one may be rotation and one may be translation. Either or both may be combinations of movements, such as a rotation and a squeeze or the like.
  • the moveable component is arranged to move around or along a longitudinal axis of the device. Rotational movement and translational movement has been found to be mechanically simple for users. In particular, such movement of the body portion of the device has been found to be achievable even for users with movement difficulties.
  • the movement of a body portion e.g. the moveable component
  • the moveable component is, in use, moved by a user of the aerosol provision device. In this example, the user moves the moveable component via a mechanical motion. This is a cost-effective way of using user motion to control aerosol delivery alongside lock the device and access the battery of the device. Alternatively or additional other movements may be arranged to select between aerosols.
  • the arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow paths (whether entirely separate or overlapping in some portion) impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.
  • a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user.
  • the user can easily control the aerosol provided, alongside controlling activation state of the device (e.g. a lock state or not) and also access to sensitive components of the device for recycling or recharging. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user.
  • the device may be disposable or re-useable, both benefitting from access to portions of devices often denied to users.
  • the device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.
  • Aerosol provision means may be any means by which an aerosol can be provided to a user.
  • This may include an aerosol provision device, aerosol generating system, aerosol provision system.
  • Such means may have aerosol generating means such as heaters or aerosolisers or vibrational plates or the like that are able to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material provided to the means.
  • Moveable means may be a moveable component within the device that can move and lead to a functional change in the device, such as moving a flow channel to align with another flow channel to allow an aerosol to be provided to the user from the aerosol provision means.
  • Mouthpiece means may be a portion of an aerosol provision means that is sized for a user to place in their mouth comfortably.
  • the mouthpiece means may have an outlet (or more than one outlet) or the like through which aerosol may pass from the device into the mouth of the user for inhalation.
  • FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 2800 according to the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision device 2800 comprises a first portion 2820 and a second portion 2840.
  • the first portion 2820 comprising a power arrangement 2822, an engagement arrangement 2824 and a mouthpiece portion 2826 through which aerosol within the first portion 2820 can pass.
  • the second portion 2840 comprising an aerosol generating arrangement 2843, an engagement arrangement 2844 and a mouthpiece portion 2846 through which aerosol within the second portion 2840 can pass.
  • the engagement arrangement 2824 of the first portion 2820 is arranged to engage with the engagement arrangement 2844 of the second portion 2840.
  • the engagement arrangements 2824, 2844 may be located as appropriate on housings of the portions 2820, 2840 to interact and therefore engage when desired by the user.
  • the aerosol provision device 2800 is configured to be in a first activation mode when the engagement arrangement 2824 of the first portion 2820 is not engaged with the engagement arrangement 2844 of the second portion 2840.
  • the aerosol provision device 2800 is configured to be in a second activation mode when the engagement arrangement 2824 of the first portion 2820 is engaged with the engagement arrangement 2844 of the second portion 2840.
  • the aerosol provision device 2800 therefore has a range of activation modes which may be based on the engagement of the two engagement arrangements 2824, 2844 of the two portions 2820, 2840.
  • the first activation mode is that the device is in an inoperable mode. In such a mode, the device 2800 is unable to provide an aerosol to a user. In examples, the device 2800 therefore needs to be arranged such that the first portion 2820 and the second portion 2840 are engaged via their respective engagement portions 2824, 2844 prior to the device 2800 being operable to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • one portion may contain power electronics (e.g. power arrangement 2822), while another portion contains aerosol generation components (e.g. aerosol generating arrangement 2843).
  • power electronics e.g. power arrangement 2822
  • aerosol generation components e.g. aerosol generating arrangement 2843.
  • the first activation mode is that the device 2800 is in a selectively operable mode.
  • the device 2800 may provide an aerosol from e.g. one or the other of the portions.
  • the device 2800 may be able to provide a first aerosol from the first portion 2820 and/or a second aerosol from the second portion 2840.
  • the device 2800 is not able to provide a combined aerosol (as the two portions 2820, 2840 are not engaged via the engagement portions 2824, 2844). This may be deemed a selectively operable mode as some aerosols can be provided but not necessarily all the possible aerosols.
  • the portions 2820, 2840 may each comprise power electronics (power arrangement) alongside an aerosol generating arrangement (such a heater, atomizer, vibrational plate or the like) so that each portion 2820, 2840 is self sufficient and can provide an aerosol without requirement for components contained in the other portion 2840, 2820.
  • power electronics power arrangement
  • aerosol generating arrangement such as a heater, atomizer, vibrational plate or the like
  • This example is more user-friendly for authorised users, as an authorised user is more easily able to receive a single aerosol from either the first portion 2820 or the second portion 2840 (as the user need not connect the two portions 2820, 2840). However this example is less strongly guarded against unauthorised users.
  • the first activation mode may be the activation of only one portion, e.g. the first portion 2820.
  • the first portion 2820 may contain all the control electronics and aerosolisation arrangements required to provide an aerosol.
  • the second portion 2840 may have no electronics or heating arrangement. In this way, the second portion 2840 may not provide an aerosol without being engaged with the first portion 2820 while the first portion 2820 may provide an aerosol with or without being engaged with the second portion 2840.
  • the aerosol generating material in the first portion 2820 is not an age restricted material.
  • the aerosol generating material in the first portion 2820 may be a flavour such as raspberry or strawberry or menthol.
  • the second portion 2840 may contain age restricted aerosol generating material such as nicotine-containing aerosol generating material. In this way, while unauthorised users may access an aerosol from the first portion 2820 such users are prevented from access age-restricted aerosols from the second portion 2840.
  • the authorised user is aware that engagement between the portions 2820, 2840 is required to obtain an aerosol from the second portion 2840. In this way, the authorised user is not overly affected by the arrangement but unauthorised users are more greatly prevented from accessing unsuitable aerosols.
  • the second activation mode may be the activation of any or all of the portions 2820, 2840.
  • the portions 2820, 2840 are engaged and may share power electronics or aerosol generating arrangements such that together the portions 2820, 2840 can provide any of: a first aerosol from the first portion 2820; a second aerosol from the second portion 2840; and, a combined first-second aerosol from both the first portion 2820 and the second portion 2840.
  • the aerosol generating material may be selected such that the portions provide a manufacturer predetermined acceptable combined aerosol. For example, it may be that the manufacturer selects strawberry and nicotine to be combinable but that two nicotine aerosol generating materials cannot be combined to provide an aerosol. In this way, the manufacturer can control the portions that are compatible and those are not compatible. This ensures that an expected quality of aerosol is provided to a user such that the quality experienced by the user is maintained as high.
  • the combinations of portions may be controlled by the manufacture by the engagement arrangements 2824, 2844 on each portion 2820, 2840.
  • the compatibility of these portions can be controlled by the engagement arrangements.
  • a very compatible portion e.g. a strawberry flavour aerosol
  • a less compatible portion e.g. a nicotine-containing aerosol generating material
  • The may be controlled by the manufacturer based on the compatibility of the engagement arrangement of each portion. This may be achieved electrically and/or mechanically.
  • the engagement arrangement may have a controller that communicates with the engagement arrangement of another portion. Only where the portions are compatible can the engagement arrangements interact. Such an arrangement would be an electrical option for this arrangement.
  • the engagement arrangement may have a series of projections or recesses. Only in complimentary portions will the engagement arrangements engage. Complimentary here means complimentary recesses for projections etc. The arrangements need not match entirely, provided there are recess for projections that are present, certain recesses do not need projections to be engaged. In this way, a large array of engagement arrangements may be received and engaged with a large array of other engagement arrangements.
  • a user may select the aerosol for provision. Where the user is able to receive an aerosol from one portion, the selection may be made on the device 2800 or on the portion itself. Alternatively, to decrease the likelihood of unauthorised user access, the user may need to connect the portions prior to selecting an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating arrangements may comprise an aerosol generating material reservoir (such as a chamber holding a liquid or a cage holding a solid e.g.).
  • the aerosol generating arrangements may comprise a wick or the like, a heater, atomizer or the like.
  • the aerosol generating arrangements do not themselves comprise power circuitry such as a power source or the like. This is present in the power arrangement. In this way, the user is provided with greater control over the activation of the portions and the device 2800. In turn, this hinders the access to the device of unauthorised users.
  • FIG. 29 there is shown an example of a device 2900 according to examples.
  • the device 2900 has portions 2920, 2940, each with a mouthpiece 2926, 2946 and an engagement arrangement 2924, 2944.
  • the engagement arrangements 2924, 2944 are shown as engaged.
  • the device 2900 is a second activation mode as per the above.
  • the reference numerals of Figure 2 mirror those of Figure 28 but, where the function for components is the same, the numerals have been increase by 100.
  • the device 2800 of Figure 28 provides aerosol for a user and the device 2900 of Figure 29 provides aerosol for a user.
  • Figure 29 shows the first portion 2920 have a power arrangement 2922 and the second portion 2940 having an aerosol generating arrangement 2943.
  • the power arrangement 2922 and aerosol generating arrangement 2943 are able to provide an aerosol from each of the portions 2920, 2940.
  • the engagement arrangements are shown schematically. The arrangements do not need to project out beyond a housing of the portions. It may be preferential from an aesthetic approach, to not have the engagement arrangements projecting out significantly from the housing. It may be that the portions can be engaged via magnetism or the like. If the engagement arrangements include projections, these may project out from the housing of the portions somewhat but not extensively.
  • the first portion 2920 may have an aerosol generating arrangement. In these examples, at least the first portion 2920 may provide an aerosol without being engaged with the second portion (provided this is allowable by the manufacturer).
  • the first portion comprises the power arrangement and an aerosol generating arrangement.
  • the second portion comprises an aerosol generating arrangement.
  • the first portion comprises a mint flavour and the second portion comprises a nicotine-containing material.
  • a user is able to obtain a mint flavour from the first portion without connecting the two portions. The user is required to connect the portions prior to obtaining a mint flavour with a nicotine aerosol (or the nicotine aerosol alone). This increases the difficulty of unauthorised users obtaining age-restricted aerosols.
  • the aerosols provided to the user may be provided via an outlet in the device which may be part of a mouthpiece.
  • the mouthpiece is designed to fit comfortably in the mouth of a user. The user inhales on the mouthpiece and aerosol is provided to the user from within the device.
  • the aerosol from the first portion 2920 may be provided via the mouthpiece 2926 of the first portion 2920 while the aerosol from the second portion 2940 may be provided via the mouthpiece 2946 of the second portion 2940.
  • the mouthpieces may be arranged so that, when the portions 2920, 2940 are engaged, the mouthpiece 2926, 2946 are near to one another, or abutting or the like. In this way, the user can easily receive both mouthpieces 2926, 2946 in their mouth and therefore receive a combined aerosol.
  • the housings of the portions may be very similar (or be designed as two halves of one whole) so that the device 2900 provides an advantageously enjoyable tactile experience when the device 2900 is formed from the engaged portions 2920, 2940.
  • a lop-sided device may be less visually pleasing to user and less easy to handle due to weight distribution.
  • the first portion 2920 provides a first aerosol for a user through the mouthpiece portion 2926 of the first portion 2920 and the second portion 2940 provides a second aerosol for a user through the mouthpiece 2946 portion of the second portion 2940. Together these provide a combined first-second aerosol that may be referred to as a third aerosol for the user.
  • the device 2900 may comprise control circuitry as part of the power arrangement or otherwise via which the user is able to select an aerosol (first, second or combined first-second).
  • the control circuitry may control the operable modes of the device, i.e. inoperable in instances when the portions are not engaged.
  • the control circuitry may be located in the power arrangement or separately in either of the portions.
  • the device may have activation modes that are partial (e.g. device is able to provide one or two aerosols) or full (e.g. device is able to provide three aerosols).
  • both portions may have power arrangements and aerosol generating arrangements, prior to engaging the portions the user may be able to receive a first and second aerosol but not the third first-second combined aerosol. This is only available when the portions are combined.
  • both portions may have control circuitry to control operation of the portions and provision of aerosol.
  • FIG. 3 there is shown an example of a device 3000.
  • the device 3000 may have similar features to the device 2900 of Figure 29 where reference numerals, for components with the same function, are increased by 100.
  • the first portion 2920 of Figure 29 is shown as first portion 3020 of Figure 3.
  • the device 3000 has a first portion 3020 engaged with a second portion 3040.
  • the engagement arrangements are not shown as they may be flush with the housing or may be magnetic and therefore contained within the housings of the portions.
  • the device 3000 has a mouthpiece 3026 on the first portion 3020 that is at a different end of the device than the mouthpiece 3046 of the second portion 3040.
  • the portion 3144 shown is a view of an engagement arrangement.
  • the engagement arrangement 3144 has a series of engagement elements 3145.
  • the elements may be a series of projections and/or recesses or the like 3145a, 3145b, 3145c.
  • the engagement arrangement 3144 may be arranged to engage with a complimentary engagement arrangement via at least one of: snap fit; interference fit; corresponding magnetic portions; and a series of corresponding projections and recesses.
  • Element 3145a may be a projection
  • element 3145b may be a recess
  • element 3145c may be a projection.
  • the engagement arrangement 3144 shown may connect to any arrangement that has recesses in the corresponding locations for the projections 3145a, 3145c.
  • a complimentary arrangement need not have a projection in location 3145b. If the complimentary arrangement includes such a projection there is an improved robustness in the connection between the two portions. As such, fully complimentary arrangements are preferable for a stronger connection but are not required.
  • At least one of the engagement arrangements may comprise a release switch that is used to improve the robustness of connection between the portions. Such a switch may improve connection and assist in controllable disconnection between the portions.
  • the switch may be located at the engagement arrangement or on another portion of the housing.
  • the switch may be a switch that has portions on both portions and is fully formed when the portions are joined together.
  • the engagement arrangements may be on a side of the portions, e.g. the left side of the first portion and the right side of the second portion.
  • the switch may be formed on the bottom sides of the portions and therefore the bottom side of the device. The switch may be actuated by pressing both portions of the switch.
  • the first portion and second portions of the device communicate.
  • the first portion and the second portion may comprise communication circuitry arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.
  • the portions may comprise power transfer arrangement to arrange transfer of power from a power arrangement of one portion to the aerosol generating arrangement of the other portion.
  • This may take the form of cables or wiring or wireless transmission such as induction or the like.
  • the device may comprise an activation button via an actuatable element or via a GUI or the like. Each portion of the device may comprise such a button.
  • the activation button of the first portion and the activation button of the second portion may be arranged to abut when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion. This may be arranged such that a user can press both or either button with one finger or thumb. This may make the device highly usable for users, particularly those with manual disabilities or less manual dexterity.
  • the arrangement herein has discussed device however the same applies or a consumable that may be provided into a system or a device or the like for generating aerosol.
  • the consumable may be supplied to a system or device comprising a heater or other atomization arrangement for providing an aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the consumable.
  • a flow chart of a method of providing an aerosol for inhalation has steps 3205, 3210, 3215, 3220.
  • a first consumable is engaged with a second consumable. This may alternatively be a first portion is engaged with a second portion.
  • an aerosol is selected from at least one of the first consumable and second consumable. This selection may occur via user input. This user input may be a button or via a GUI or the like. This may be, as described above, the selection of an aerosol from the first consumable, the second consumable or a combined aerosol from both consumables.
  • step 3220 an aerosol is not provided from either consumable when the first consumable and second consumable are not engaged.
  • an aerosol is provided to an authorised user only once the portions are combined. This increases the overall robustness of the system against use by unauthorised users. This arrangement also provide a controllable and variable aerosol for the user to experience.
  • the devices, systems, consumables and methods disclosed herein provide a reliable and robust method to provide multiple aerosols, including manufacturer predetermined aerosol combinations, to a user.
  • the user therefore need not buy multiple devices to be provided with multiple aerosols. This leads to less purchasing by the user and less disposal of goods.
  • the present arrangement is therefore a greener arrangement than is presentably available for combination aerosol.
  • the present arrangement also protects against unauthorised user use of the device, systems and consumables. In certain examples, users that have limited or impaired mobility, in particular in relation to hands, are able to use easily the full capability of the device.
  • the device may store aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating arrangements may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating arrangements may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the aerosol generating arrangements may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices.
  • Certain aerosol generating arrangements may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to other aerosol generating arrangements.
  • the device 500 may be a single puff device 500 or a device 500 that is intended to be a disposable device 500, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device 500 may be disposed. The same can be applied to any of the examples herein regarding volume of reservoir in an aerosol generating arrangements.
  • the power source (for powering the heater or heating element associated with one or more aerosol generating arrangements) may be non-rechargeable and non- replaceable.
  • the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may safely dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted.
  • the power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.
  • Aerosol provision means may be any means by which an aerosol can be provided to a user. This may include an aerosol provision device, aerosol generating system, aerosol provision system. Such means may have aerosol generating means such as heaters or aerosolisers or vibrational plates or the like that are able to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material provided to the means. Mouthpiece means may be a portion of an aerosol provision means that is sized for a user to place in their mouth comfortably. The mouthpiece means may have an outlet (or more than one outlet) or the like through which aerosol may pass from the device into the mouth of the user for inhalation.
  • Figure 33 illustrates a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 3300 according to the present disclosure.
  • the aerosol provision device 3300 has at least one inlet 3302 through which air can enter the device 3300.
  • the aerosol provision device 3300 has at least one outlet 3304 through which aerosol within the device 3300 can pass.
  • the device 3300 has at least one coverable opening 3306.
  • the device 3300 has an aerosol generating region 3310 arranged to generate an aerosol.
  • the device 3300 has a flow channel 3320 arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet 3302, at least one outlet 3304 and the aerosol generating region 3310.
  • the aerosol generating region 3310 is operable to generate an aerosol.
  • the covered condition may be that an item is covering the opening 3306. This may be that a closure of the opening 3306 has been moved into a closed position over the opening 3306. In use, this may be by virtue of a finger or the like of a user covering and thereby blocking the opening 3306.
  • the flow path 3320 from inlet 3302 to outlet 3304 is uninterrupted and air can flow from the inlet 3302 via the aerosol generating region 3310 to the outlet 3304. In this way, when the aerosol generating region is requested to provide an aerosol, the device 3300 can provide an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating region 3310 is not operable to generate an aerosol.
  • An open condition may be that the opening 3306 is not being covered, i.e. that the opening is open to the external environment and fluidly connects the inlet 3302 from the external environment and the opening 3306 back to the external environment.
  • the user may not have the opening blocked and therefore the opening 3306 is not blocked, it is open. As such, the device is unable to provide an aerosol during such an arrangement.
  • the above arrangement has many benefits.
  • the device 3300 is not likely to be able to provide an aerosol unless an active step has been taken to ensure that the device is 3300 is operable to provide one. This provides greater control over when the device 3300 provides the aerosol. For example, as an active step has to occur prior to provision of aerosol, the device 3300 is less likely than modern devices of accidentally being operated unexpectedly, e.g. while in transit or the like. The device 3300 has therefore a greater robustness against accidental operation and therefore has a greater safety of use.
  • the arrangement disclosed herein provides either or both a mechanical and electrical solution to the issue of improved safety of use. In either case, the advantages noted above are achieved from the present arrangement.
  • the user may inhale on the outlet 3304 (which may be part of a mouthpiece or the like). Inhalation on the outlet 3304 creates a pressure difference within the device 3300 that causes airflow to enter via the inlet 3302. The airflow flows along the flow channel 3320. The airflow then encounters the portion of the flow channel where the coverable opening 3306 is positioned.
  • the coverable opening 3306 is open, at least some portion of the airflow leaves the flow channel 3320 at the opening 3306.
  • the airflow in the flow channel 3320 is disrupted.
  • the device 3300 is in a non-operable mode such that the aerosol generating region 3310 is not able to provide an aerosol. This is suitable as the airflow is not preferred and the user has not indicated that the user is willing to receive an aerosol. While a user inhalation on a device 3300 may cause air to enter the device 3300 via the inlet 3302, this may also occur via other means (such as location of the device in a location of strong breeze or the like.
  • the airflow does not leave the flow channel 3320 through the opening 3306. It may be that some very small fraction of air leaves the channel 3320 at the opening 3306 due to manufacturing tolerances or the like, however the vast majority of the airflow proceeds along the channel 3320. The airflow in the flow channel 3320 is not disrupted.
  • the device 3300 is in an operable mode such that the aerosol generating region 3310 is able to provide an aerosol. This is suitable as the airflow is in its preferred state and the user has indicated (by covering the coverable opening 3306) that the user is willing to receive an aerosol.
  • the present device 3300 provides an aerosol to a user that is anticipating the aerosol and not in other circumstances that may otherwise lead to unwanted provision of aerosol.
  • the aerosol generating region 3310 may comprise a heating element or the like for providing an aerosol from an aerosol generating material located, in use, in the aerosol generating region 3310.
  • the device 3300 may have one or more heating element per aerosol generating region (for example wherein a device has more than one aerosol generating region), or may have fewer.
  • the device 3300 may have one heating element in total.
  • the device 3300 may have control circuitry and a puff detector, microphone or the like for activating the heating element or elements in the aerosol provision device 3300.
  • the device 3300 may have one puff detector (or the like) per aerosol generating region, or may have more or fewer or have one puff detector in total. This is discussed in more detail below.
  • FIG. 34 there is shown a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 3400 according to an example.
  • Device 3400 has similar features to those in device 3300 of Figure 33. Similar features have been numbered the same but with an increase of 100, e.g. inlet 3302 of Figure 33 provides the same function as inlet 3402 of Figure 34. Some similar features will not be discussed in detail here beyond saying the same function is provided by such similar features.
  • the device 3400 has an inlet 3402, an outlet 3404, a coverable opening 3406, an aerosol generating region 3410 and a flow path 3420.
  • the device 3400 also has a power source 3430 and control circuitry 3440.
  • the power source 3430 may be arranged to provide power to various operators within the device 3400.
  • the power source 3430 may provide power to, e.g., the aerosol generating region 3410 and/or other elements such as sensors or detectors as required.
  • the power source 3430 may provide power to the control circuitry 3440.
  • the control circuitry 3440 may be arranged to detect the condition of the coverable opening 3406.
  • the control circuitry 3440 therefore may be arranged to detect whether the opening 3406 is in a covered condition or in an open condition. Upon detection, the control circuitry may provide control signals to the aerosol generating region 3410 accordingly. This is one way in which the aerosol generating region 3410 may be operated (or prevented from operating) according to the condition of the coverable opening 3406.
  • the control circuitry 3440 is arranged to send an activation signal to the power source 3430 to provide power to the aerosol generating region 3410.
  • the aerosol generating region 3410 may comprise an aerosol generating material store, such as a reservoir or the like.
  • the region 3410 may hold solid or liquid aerosol generating material for use in providing an aerosol to a user.
  • the aerosol generating region 3410 may comprise a heater and a wick or the like to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • the aerosol generating region 3410 may comprise an atomizer or a vibrational plate or the like.
  • the aerosol generating region 3410 is controlled by command signals from the control circuitry 3440 and is arranged to receive power from the power supply 3430.
  • FIG. 35 there is shown a schematic view of an example of an aerosol provision device 3500 according to an example.
  • Device 3500 has similar features to those in device 3400 of Figure 34. Similar features have been numbered the same but with an increase of 100, e.g. inlet 3402 of Figure 34 provides the same function as inlet 3502 of Figure 35. Some similar features will not be discussed in detail here beyond saying the same function is provided by such similar features.
  • the device 3500 shown in Figure 35 has an inlet 3502, outlet 3504, closeable opening 3506, aerosol generating region 3510, flow channel 3520, power source 3530 and control circuitry 3540.
  • the power source 3530 is shown as connected to the control circuitry 3540 and the control circuitry 3540 is shown as connected to the aerosol generating region 3510. Connections may be present from any element to any other suitable element as is reasonable to provide the function of the device 3500. E.g. the power source 3530 may be directly connected to the aerosol generating region 3510. The connections may be wired or wireless or a combination where suitable.
  • the example of a device 3500 shown in Figure 35 also has a detector 3542.
  • the detector 3542 is arranged to detect the condition of the coverable opening 3506.
  • the detector 3542 is located within the flow channel 3520 of the device 3500 upstream through near the opening 3506.
  • the detector 3542 be located elsewhere.
  • the detector 3542 is arranged to detect a condition (open or closed) of the closeable opening 3506.
  • the detector 3542 may comprise at least one of: a pressure sensor; a heat sensor; a light sensor; a voltmeter; and, an ammeter.
  • a pressure sensor, a heat sensor, and/or a light sensor may be arranged to detect the presence of an element on or over the opening 3506. Where there is such an element, the detector 3542 may register the state of the opening 3506 as closed. This may be signalled to the control circuitry 3540 that may in turn provide control signals to provide power from the power supply 3530 to the aerosol generating region 3510. This may lead to an aerosol being provided from the device 3500.
  • a voltmeter and/or ammeter may allow to detect a change in capacitance due to the presence of an element covering the opening 3506.
  • the coverable opening 3506 may be located anywhere on the device 3500.
  • the coverable opening 3506 may preferably be located on a housing of the device 3500 for ease of access by a user.
  • a device may have more than one coverable opening, each of which may have a condition detected prior to provision of an aerosol.
  • the coverable opening 3506 shown in Figure 35 is located downstream of the inlet 3502 and upstream of the aerosol generating region 3510.
  • the flow channel 3520 is arranged to provide fluid communication between the inlet 3502, the outlet 3504, the coverable opening 3506 and the aerosol generating region 3510.
  • the airflow may be disrupted when the opening 3506 is open such that there is to a significant extent no air flow through the flow channel 3520 to the aerosol generating region 3510.
  • the aerosol generating region 3510 may not operate by virtue of the mechanical arrangement of the device 3500 preventing activation of the microphone, pressure sensor or the like.
  • the above devices prevent the aerosol generating region 3510 when there is not a preferred, or at least predetermined quality, consistency and amount of, air flow past the aerosol generating region 3510. This will improve the overall aerosol quality of the device 3500 as the device 3500 provides aerosols when the conditions for doing so are most suitable (the opening is covered and therefore a good supply of air through the flow channel is provided). In turn, the user experience is increased.
  • the aerosol generating region 3510 further comprises an airflow sensor (not shown) arranged to detect airflow to the aerosol generating region 3510. Where the opening 3506 is open and the opening 3506 disrupts the flow of air before the air can reach the aerosol generating region 3510 (as in the arrangements shown), the airflow sensor does not detect the airflow and therefore the aerosol generating region 3510 is prevented from operating when the opening 3506 is in an open condition.
  • the airflow sensor may be arranged to activate the aerosol generating region 3510 in response to detecting airflow to the aerosol generating region
  • FIGS 36a and 36b there are shown schematic views of an example of an aerosol provision device 3600 according to an example.
  • Device 3600 has similar features to those in device 3500 of Figure 35. Similar features have been numbered the same but with an increase of 100, e.g. inlet 3502 of Figure 35 provides the same function as inlet 3602 of Figure 36. Some similar features will not be discussed in detail here beyond saying the same function is provided by such similar features.
  • the device 400 shown in Figure 36a has an inlet 3602, outlet 3604, closeable opening 3606, aerosol generating region 3610, flow channel 3620, power source 3630, control circuitry 3640 and detector 3642.
  • the detector 3642 is arranged to detect a condition of the closeable opening 3606.
  • the closeable opening 3606 is in the open condition.
  • the detector 3642 prevents activation of the 3610 via the control circuitry 3640 as the circuitry 3640 has been informed of the condition of the opening (open).
  • the closeable 3606 opening may be a one way opening e.g. comprising a valve. In this way, when inhaling on the device 3600 air enters via inlet 3602 but does not and cannot enter via opening 3606. The air within the flow channel 3620 leaves via the opening 3606 but does not enter the flow channel 3620 via the opening 3606.
  • FIG. 36b there is a closing element 3650.
  • the closing element 3650 has been located with respect to the opening 3606 such that the opening 3606 is in a closed condition.
  • airflow B enters through the inlet 3602.
  • the airflow B continues along the flow channel 3620 past the detector 3642.
  • the element 3650 closes the opening 3606 and therefore airflow continues through the channel 3620 beyond the opening and towards both the aerosol generating region 3610 and the outlet 3604.
  • the detector 3642 informs the control circuitry 3640 that the opening 3606 is in a closed condition and therefore the control circuitry 3640 controls the power source 3630 to provide power to the aerosol generating region 3610 to heat an aerosol generating material to provide an aerosol.
  • the aerosol is entrained in airflow B and carried to the outlet 3604. The user may therefore be provided with an aerosol in this way.
  • the element 3650 may be any element suitable for closing the opening 3606.
  • the element 3650 may be built in to the housing of the device 3600 and moved by a user prior to use.
  • the element 3650 may therefore be a cap or slider or the like.
  • the element 3650 may additionally or alternatively be a finger of the user or the like.
  • a user arranges their hands such that the opening (or openings) 3606 are covered by fingers holding the device 3600.
  • the user can control activation of the device 3600.
  • This may also provide an aspect of user prevention, such that unauthorised users are not able to use the device 3600 as they will not know where to locate their hands.
  • the device 3600 has a series of closeable openings 3606 and the user arranges their fingers in a manner to cover each of the openings 3606. This would be difficult for a non-authorised user to mimic and therefore use of the device 3600 by unsuitable users is prevented. This adds a further aspect of safety to the device 3600.
  • the openings 3606 need not be connected directly to the flow channel 3620.
  • the flow channel 3620 may contain warm aerosol. As such, it may be undesirable for the user to place their fingers on openings under which the aerosol flows.
  • the openings 3606 may therefore be electrically connected to the control circuitry 3640 e.g. via the detector 3642 such that when the user places their fingers over the openings 3606 (that are not connected to the flow channel), the user does not directly interact with the aerosol in the flow channel 3620. In this way, the usability and safety aspects noted above are provided without the user needing to interact directly with the aerosol.
  • the covering element 3650 is a cap that may be attached to the housing of the device 3600 and slid into place, there is no concern required regarding the aerosol within the flow channel 3620 and therefore the opening 3606 may be directly connected to the flow channel 3620.
  • flow paths and flow channels may be used herein interchangeably.
  • Upstream and downstream here are used herein to refer to the flow path(s) or flow channel(s). “Upstream” is therefore earlier in the flow path and “downstream” is later in the flow path, such that airflow flows past an upstream element before a downstream element.
  • the flow path (or flow channel) will typically start at an inlet and end at an outlet. The elements relevant to the flow path can therefore be relatively closer to the inlet (upstream) or relatively closer to the outlet (downstream).
  • the outlet of any of the devices herein may be part of a mouthpiece or a mouthpiece portion.
  • the mouthpiece portion is a designated portion containing at least one outlet that is suitable to be received in the mouth of a user.
  • the mouthpiece portion may be of a suitable size, of a suitable material, of a suitable shape for enjoyable mouth feel for the user. Examples as disclosed herein are able to provide a user of the aerosol provision device control over the provision by the device of an aerosol.
  • arrangements allow a user to control their device by covering or not covering an opening of the devices. By doing so, the user may be able to make the device able or unable to provide aerosols. This provides a robust and safe device that does not impair usage by an authorized user.
  • the device may have a large number of closable openings or a small number. With more openings, a more complex finger arrangement may be required by the user to activate the device. In either instance, the likelihood of an inappropriate user, such as an age-inappropriate user, mimicking the finger arrangement is very low. In this way, the present disclosure improves the safety of the device.
  • the device herein therefore provides a simple mechanical solution and/or simple electrical solution for controlled activation of a device that is easy to manufacture, very hygienic and robust during periods of use and non-use.
  • the device is therefore cheaper to produce, reliable during use and non-use and accordingly provides an improved user experience.
  • the device has one or more aerosol generating region that may store aerosol generating material.
  • the region(s) may hold around 0.01 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the region(s) may hold up to 0.02 ml or up to 0.03 ml of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the region(s) may hold liquid up to 200 ml for multi-use or refillable, re-useable devices.
  • Certain aerosol generating regions may hold the same or a different volume of liquid to other aerosol generating regions.
  • the device may be a single puff device or a device that is intended to be a disposable device, i.e. a device that is designed not to be re-fillable, rather once the reservoir or reservoirs are empty the device may be disposed. The same can be applied to any of the examples herein regarding volume of reservoir in an aerosol generating region.
  • the power source (for powering the heater or heating element associated with one or more aerosol generating regions) may be non-rechargeable and non-replaceable.
  • the access to the power source portion is advantageous as the user may safely dispose of the power source once the device is suitably depleted.
  • the power source may be arranged to have sufficient power to aerosolise the amount of aerosol generating material in the device, but not more. In this way, when the aerosol generating material has been aerosolised, the device has no remaining power and can be disposed of. This may improve the user experience, by providing a device that is easy to use and requires no maintenance.
  • the method 3700 has steps 3705, 3710, 3715, 3720, 3725, 3730, and 3740.
  • step 3705 airflow is received into an air inlet of an aerosol provision device.
  • step 3710 an airflow is passed towards a coverable opening, the opening forming part of an aerosol provision device.
  • step 3710 The method splits at step 3710 and follows either step 3715 or step 3740.
  • step 3715 the coverable opening is in a covered condition. In this event, airflow passes the coverable opening in the aerosol provision device.
  • step 3740 the coverable opening is in an open condition. In this event, airflow exits the aerosol provision device through the coverable opening.
  • step 3720 an aerosol generating region of the aerosol provision device is activated.
  • step 3725 an aerosol for inhalation is provided.
  • step 3730 the aerosol is passed through an outlet of the aerosol provision device.
  • the user is therefore provided with an aerosol by the method 3700 when the coverable opening is in the covered condition and not when the coverable opening is in an open condition.
  • the arrangements discussed herein may use single or multiple puff sensors, flow sensors or the like. By ensuring, the flow path or flow paths impact the area near the puff sensor, only one puff sensor need be used. In this way, fewer electronics can be used in the manufacture of the device and the overall cost is decreased. Such a device can then be provided to users for a lower price.
  • a device for providing an aerosol to a user that provides great control over activation of the device to the user while requiring only limited mechanical movement or dexterity from the user. The user can easily control the aerosol provision from the device. This is provided while maintaining high levels of security over the device, i.e. prevention of access and use by an inappropriate user.
  • the device may be disposable or reuseable.
  • the device may have a cover for improving the cleanliness of use of the device and improving conditions of the device during storage and periods of non-use.
  • Aerosol provision means may be any means by which an aerosol can be provided to a user.
  • This may include an aerosol provision device, aerosol generating system, aerosol provision system.
  • Such means may have aerosol generating means such as heaters or aerosolisers or vibrational plates or the like that are able to provide an aerosol from an aerosol generating material provided to the means.
  • Moveable means may be a moveable component within the device that can move and lead to a functional change in the device, such as moving a flow channel to align with another flow channel to allow an aerosol to be provided to the user from the aerosol provision means.
  • Mouthpiece means may be a portion of an aerosol provision means that is sized for a user to place in their mouth comfortably.
  • the mouthpiece means may have an outlet (or more than one outlet) or the like through which aerosol may pass from the device into the mouth of the user for inhalation.
  • the delivery system described herein which may be referred to as an aerosol provision device, aerosol-generating system, aerosol provision system or the like can be implemented as a combustible aerosol provision system, a non-combustible aerosol provision system or an aerosol-free delivery system.
  • the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, and includes: combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material); non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aerosol-generating material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials.
  • combustible aerosol provision systems such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material
  • non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerosolgenerating material without combusting the aero
  • a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a system selected from the group consisting of a cigarette, a cigarillo and a cigar.
  • the disclosure relates to a component for use in a combustible aerosol provision system, such as a consumable or the like that can be introduced by a user into the aerosol provision system.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
  • the non- combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-bum system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol- generating material.
  • the solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the noncombustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
  • the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, maijoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch,
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect.
  • a suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • a consumable is an article that may comprise aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user.
  • a consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • a consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use.
  • the heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
  • the consumable may comprise the moveable component.
  • the moveable component is upstream of any mouthpiece when in situ for use.
  • An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosolgenerating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • a heater is a form of aerosol generator, though any aerosol generator may be used in the examples shown above.
  • An aerosol provision device comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a first flow sensor arranged within a portion of the first flow channel; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a second flow sensor arranged within a portion of the second flow channel; a first indicator related to the first flow sensor, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the first flow sensor; and, a second indicator related to the second flow sensor, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the second flow sensor.
  • An aerosol provision device comprising a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first and a second position, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel, wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel.
  • An aerosol provision device further comprising a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; control circuitry for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the first indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in the second position, the first indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the second indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, in the first position, the second indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in
  • control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the first indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in response to activation of the first flow sensor, the first indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the second indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, response to activation of the second flow sensor, the second indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region.
  • the first flow sensor comprises a microphone and the first indicator comprises a light emitting diode, LED, and a light guide, wherein the LED is arranged towards the microphone.
  • the second flow sensor comprises a microphone and the second indicator comprises a light emitting diode, LED, and a light guide, wherein the LED of the second indicator is arranged towards the microphone of the second flow sensor.
  • An aerosol provision device according to any preceding clause, further comprising an indicator unit comprising the first indicator and the second indicator.
  • An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1 to 14, further comprising at least two heating elements for providing an aerosol, a first heating element arranged to provide a first aerosol in the first flow channel and a second heating element arranged to provide a second aerosol in the second flow channel.
  • a consumable for an aerosol generator comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the consumable; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a first flow sensor arranged within a portion of the first flow channel; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a second flow sensor arranged within a portion of the second flow channel; a first indicator related to the first flow sensor, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the first flow sensor; and, a second indicator related to the second flow sensor, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the second flow sensor.
  • An aerosol generating system comprising the consumable of clause 17 or 18, further comprising: a first aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a first aerosol generating material; a second aerosol generating material containing region arranged to contain a second aerosol generating material; control circuitry for identifying aerosol generating material contained in use in the first aerosol generating material containing region and aerosol generating material contained in use in the second aerosol generating material containing region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the first indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region and, in the second position, the first indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication relating to the aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material containing region, and wherein the control circuitry is arranged to provide a signal to the second indicator relating to identified aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material containing region and, in the first position, the second indicator is arranged to provide a corresponding indication
  • a method for using of an aerosol provision device comprising: providing at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; providing at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; providing a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; providing a first flow sensor arranged within a portion of the first flow channel providing a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet and at least one outlet; providing a second flow sensor arranged within a portion of the second flow channel; providing a first indicator related to the first flow sensor, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the first flow sensor; providing a second indicator related to the second flow sensor, arranged to provide an indication to a user in response to activation of the second flow sensor; at least partially blocking a first flow channel; providing an airflow to the second flow channel via at least one inlet; activating a second flow sensor; and, providing an indication from a second indicator.
  • An aerosol provision device comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a third aerosol generating region arranged to generate a third aerosol; control circuitry arranged to control generation of aerosol from the first aerosol generating region, second aerosol generating region and third aerosol generating region; at least one flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and at least one of the first, second and third aerosol generating regions, wherein the control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate at least one of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate at least two of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • An aerosol provision device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate: the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region to provide a combined first-second aerosol; and, the first aerosol generating region and the third aerosol generating region to provide a combined first-third aerosol.
  • the control circuitry is arranged, in use, to prevent activation of the second aerosol generating region and the third aerosol generating region to provide a combined second-third aerosol.
  • the at least one flow channel comprises: a first flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating region; a second flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating region; a third flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the third aerosol generating region; and, a fourth flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and at least two of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • An aerosol provision device further comprising a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first, a second, a third, and a fourth position, wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second, third and fourth flow paths; wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first, third and fourth flow paths; wherein in the third position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first, second and fourth flow paths; and, wherein in the fourth position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first, second and third flow paths.
  • An aerosol provision device further comprising a mouthpiece portion comprising at least one outlet for providing an aerosol to a user, wherein the moveable component is arranged downstream of the first, second and third aerosol generating regions and upstream of the mouthpiece portion.
  • the moveable component is arranged adjacent to the mouthpiece portion.
  • An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 7-9, further comprising a stopper arranged to prevent the moveable component moving beyond the predetermined positions.
  • the first aerosol generating region comprises a first atomizing unit comprising a first flow sensor
  • the second aerosol generating region comprises a second atomizing unit comprising a second flow sensor
  • the third aerosol generating region comprises a third atomizing unit comprising a third flow sensor
  • a consumable for an aerosol generator comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a third aerosol generating region arranged to generate a third aerosol; control circuitry arranged to control generation of aerosol from the first aerosol generating region, second aerosol generating region and third aerosol generating region; at least one flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and at least one of the first, second and third aerosol generating regions, wherein the control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate at least one of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate at least two of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate: the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region to provide a combined first-second aerosol; and, the first aerosol generating region and the third aerosol generating region to provide a combined first-third aerosol. 19.
  • control circuitry is arranged, in use, to prevent activation of the second aerosol generating region and the third aerosol generating region to provide a combined second-third aerosol.
  • the at least one flow channel comprises: a first flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating region; a second flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating region; a third flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the third aerosol generating region; and, a fourth flow path arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and at least two of the first aerosol generating region, the second aerosol generating region, and the third aerosol generating region.
  • An aerosol generating system comprising the consumable of any of clauses 16 to 20, further comprising: a first aerosol generating material in the first aerosol generating material region; a second aerosol generating material in the second aerosol generating material region; and, a third aerosol generating material in the third aerosol generating material region, wherein the second aerosol generating material and third aerosol generating material are predetermined as non-compatible aerosol generating materials.
  • a method for using of an aerosol provision device comprising: detecting a first aerosol generating material in a first aerosol generating region; detecting a second aerosol generating material in a second aerosol generating region; detecting a third aerosol generating material in a third aerosol generating region; identifying compatible and non-compatible aerosol generating materials; providing an aerosol from at least one of the first aerosol generating region, second aerosol generating region and third aerosol generating region, wherein a combined aerosol is not provided from non-compatible aerosol generating materials.
  • An aerosol provision device comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first position, a second position, and a third position wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel, wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel, and, wherein in the third position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the second flow channel, wherein the movement of the moveable component between the third position and the first position is different to
  • An aerosol provision device according to any of clauses 1-3, further comprising control circuitry arranged to control generation of aerosol from the first aerosol generating region and second aerosol generating region, wherein the control circuitry is arranged, in use, to selectively activate either the first aerosol generating region or second aerosol generating region to generate either a first aerosol or a second aerosol respectively.
  • An aerosol provision device according to clause 4, the device being arranged so that the control circuitry provides: an activation signal to the first aerosol generating region when the moveable component is in the first position; an activation signal to the second aerosol generating region when the moveable component is in the second position; and, a deactivation signal to the first aerosol generating region and second aerosol generating region when the moveable component is in the third position.
  • An aerosol provision device further comprising a mouthpiece portion comprising at least one outlet for providing an aerosol to a user, wherein the moveable component is arranged downstream of the first aerosol generating region and the second aerosol generating region and upstream of the mouthpiece portion.
  • the first aerosol generating region comprises a first atomizing unit comprising a first flow sensor
  • the second aerosol generating region comprises a second atomizing unit comprising a second flow sensor
  • in the first position the moveable component is arranged to prevent airflow passing the second flow sensor
  • in the second position the moveable component is arranged to prevent airflow passing the first flow sensor
  • in the third position the moveable component is arranged to prevent airflow passing the first flow sensor and the second flow sensor.
  • aerosol provision device configured to be in an inoperable mode when the moveable component is in a non-predetermined position.
  • An aerosol provision device further comprising a first recess and a second recess and a biased element arranged to move relative to the first recess and the second recess, the biased element further arranged to, in the first position, project into the first recess and, in the second position, project into the second recess.
  • the first recess and second recess are arranged on and/or in the moveable component.
  • a consumable for an aerosol generator comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the consumable; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; a first aerosol generating region arranged to generate a first aerosol; a second aerosol generating region arranged to generate a second aerosol; a first flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the first aerosol generating region; a second flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the second aerosol generating region; a moveable component arranged to move between a number of predetermined positions comprising at least a first position, a second position, and a third position wherein in the first position the moveable component at least partially blocks the second flow channel, wherein in the second position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel, and, wherein in the third position the moveable component at least partially blocks the first flow channel and the second flow channel, wherein the movement of the moveable component between the third position and the
  • An aerosol generating system comprising: the consumable of clause 16; and, at least one heater for generating a first aerosol from aerosol generating material contained in the first aerosol generating region and for generating a second aerosol from aerosol generating material contained in the second aerosol generating region.
  • a method of providing an aerosol comprising: moving a moveable component to a first position, wherein moving the moveable component comprises at least partially unblocking a first flow channel; generating a first aerosol from a first aerosol generating region; providing the first aerosol through a first flow channel to an outlet; moving the moveable component to a second position, wherein moving the moveable component comprises at least partially unblocking a second flow channel; generating a second aerosol from a second aerosol generating region; providing the second aerosol through a second flow channel to an outlet, wherein moving the moveable component to a first position comprises a first movement and moving the moveable component to a second position comprises a second movement wherein the first movement is different to the second movement.
  • An aerosol provision device comprising: a first portion and a second portion; the first portion comprising a power arrangement, an engagement arrangement and a mouthpiece portion through which aerosol within the first portion can pass; the second portion comprising an aerosol generating arrangement, an engagement arrangement and a mouthpiece portion through which aerosol within the second portion can pass; wherein the engagement arrangement of the first portion is arranged to engage with the engagement arrangement of the second portion, and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to be in a first activation mode when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is not engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion, and wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to be in a second activation mode when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • an aerosol provision device according to clause 2, wherein the first portion further comprises an aerosol generating arrangement, wherein, in an inoperable mode, the aerosol provision device is arranged to not provide an aerosol to a user, wherein, in an operable mode, at least one of the first portion and second portion are arranged to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • An aerosol provision device according to clause 4, further comprising control circuitry arranged to selectively control activation of the first operable mode, second operable mode and third operable mode.
  • At least one of the engagement arrangement of the first portion and the engagement arrangement of the second portion further comprises a release switch arranged to provide controllable disengagement between the engagement arrangement of the first portion and the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • first portion and the second portion comprise communication circuitry arranged to use at least one of Bluetooth TM, Bluetooth Low Energy TM, ZigBee TM, WiFi TM, Wifi Direct TM, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, or RFID.
  • the first portion comprises a power transfer arrangement to transfer power from the power arrangement to the aerosol generating arrangement of the second portion.
  • first portion further comprises an activation button
  • second portion further comprises an activation button
  • the activation button of the first portion and the activation button of the second portion are arranged to abut when the engagement arrangement of the first portion is engaged with the engagement arrangement of the second portion.
  • a consumable for an aerosol generator comprising: a portion comprising a power arrangement, an engagement arrangement and a mouthpiece portion through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; wherein the engagement arrangement of the consumable is arranged to engage with an engagement arrangement of a second consumable, the consumable arranged to be in a first activation mode, and when engaged with a second consumable, arranged to be in a second activation mode.
  • a consumable according to clause 16 wherein, in an inoperable mode, the consumable is arranged to not provide an aerosol to a user, wherein, in an operable mode, at least one of the first consumable and second consumable are arranged to provide an aerosol to a user.
  • An aerosol generating system comprising: the consumable of clauses 15-17; and, at least one heater for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material contained in the consumable and the second consumable.
  • a method of providing an aerosol comprising: engaging a first consumable with a second consumable; selecting an aerosol from at least one of the first consumable and the second consumable; providing a selected aerosol from at least one of the first consumable and the second consumable; and, not providing an aerosol from the first consumable and the second consumable when the first consumable and second consumable are not engaged.
  • An aerosol provision device comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the device; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the device can pass; at least one coverable opening; an aerosol generating region arranged to generate an aerosol; a flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the aerosol generating region; wherein, when the coverable opening is in a covered condition, the aerosol generating region is operable to generate an aerosol, and wherein, when the coverable opening is in an open condition, the aerosol generating region is not operable to generate an aerosol.
  • An aerosol provision device further comprising: a power source; and, control circuitry arranged to detect the condition of the coverable opening, wherein, when the coverable opening is in a covered condition, the control circuitry is arranged to send an activation signal to the power source to provide power to the aerosol generating region.
  • control circuitry further comprises a detector arranged to detect the condition of the coverable opening, the detector comprising at least one of: a pressure sensor; a heat sensor; a light sensor; a voltmeter; and, an ammeter.
  • an aerosol provision device located downstream of the at least one inlet and upstream of the aerosol generating region, and wherein the flow channel is arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet, the coverable opening and the aerosol generating region.
  • the aerosol generating region further comprises an airflow sensor arranged to detect airflow to the aerosol generating region, wherein the airflow sensor is arranged to activate the aerosol generating region in response to detecting airflow to the aerosol generating region.
  • a method of providing an aerosol to a user comprising: receiving airflow into an air inlet of an aerosol provision device; passing airflow towards a coverable opening in the aerosol provision device; wherein: i) when the coverable opening is in a covered condition, airflow passes the coverable opening in the aerosol provision device; activating an aerosol generating region of the aerosol provision device; providing an aerosol for inhalation; and, passing the aerosol through an outlet of the aerosol provision device, ii) when the coverable opening is in an open condition, airflow exits the aerosol provision device through the coverable opening.
  • activating an aerosol generating region of the aerosol provision device comprises: detecting, by an airflow sensor, an airflow in the aerosol generating region; and, in response to the detecting, activating an aerosol generator.
  • a method further comprising: detecting by control circuitry the condition of the coverable opening, sending, by the control circuitry, a signal to the aerosol generating region based on the detected condition of the coverable opening.
  • a consumable for an aerosol generator comprising: at least one inlet through which air can enter the consumable; at least one outlet through which aerosol within the consumable can pass; at least one coverable opening; an aerosol generating region arranged to generate an aerosol; a flow channel arranged to provide fluid communication between at least one inlet, at least one outlet and the aerosol generating region; wherein, when the coverable opening is in a covered condition, the aerosol generating region is operable to generate an aerosol, and wherein, when the coverable opening is in an open condition, the aerosol generating region is not operable to generate an aerosol.
  • the control circuitry further comprises a detector arranged to detect the condition of the coverable opening, the detector comprising at least one of: a pressure sensor; a heat sensor; a light sensor; a voltmeter; and, an ammeter.
  • the aerosol generating region further comprises an airflow sensor arranged to detect airflow to the aerosol generating region, wherein the airflow sensor is arranged to activate the aerosol generating region in response to detecting airflow to the aerosol generating region.
  • An aerosol generating system comprising: the consumable of clause 13; and, at least one heater for generating an aerosol from aerosol generating material contained in the aerosol generating region.
  • An aerosol generating system according to clause 19, further comprising: a power source; and, control circuitry arranged to detect the condition of the coverable opening, wherein, when the coverable opening is in a covered condition, the control circuitry is arranged to send an activation signal to the power source to provide power to the aerosol generating region.

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Abstract

Est prévu un dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol, comprenant : une première partie et une seconde partie ; la première partie comprenant un agencement d'alimentation, un agencement de mise en prise et une partie embout buccal par laquelle peut passer un aérosol à l'intérieur de la première partie ; la seconde partie comprenant un agencement de production d'aérosol, un agencement de mise en prise et une partie embout buccal par laquelle peut passer un aérosol à l'intérieur de la seconde partie ; l'agencement de mise en prise de la première partie étant conçu pour venir en prise avec l'agencement de mise en prise de la seconde partie, et le dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol étant conçu pour être dans un premier mode d'activation lorsque l'agencement de mise en prise de la première partie n'est pas en prise avec l'agencement de mise en prise de la seconde partie, et le dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol étant conçu pour être dans un second mode d'activation lorsque l'agencement de mise en prise de la première partie est en prise avec l'agencement de mise en prise de la seconde partie.
PCT/GB2024/052263 2023-08-30 2024-08-30 Dispositif de fourniture d'aérosol Pending WO2025046238A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2313171.7 2023-08-30
GBGB2313170.9A GB202313170D0 (en) 2023-08-30 2023-08-30 Aerosol provision device
GBGB2313166.7A GB202313166D0 (en) 2023-08-30 2023-08-30 Aerosol provision device
GB2313168.3 2023-08-30
GBGB2313176.6A GB202313176D0 (en) 2023-08-30 2023-08-30 Aerosol provision device
GB2313166.7 2023-08-30
GBGB2313171.7A GB202313171D0 (en) 2023-08-30 2023-08-30 Aerosol provision device
GB2313176.6 2023-08-30
GB2313170.9 2023-08-30
GBGB2313168.3A GB202313168D0 (en) 2023-08-30 2023-08-30 Aerosol provision device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025046238A2 true WO2025046238A2 (fr) 2025-03-06
WO2025046238A3 WO2025046238A3 (fr) 2025-05-30

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8881737B2 (en) * 2012-09-04 2014-11-11 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Electronic smoking article comprising one or more microheaters
DK3166426T3 (en) * 2014-07-11 2018-10-29 Philip Morris Products Sa AEROSOL GENERATING SYSTEM COMPREHENSIVE PATTERN DETECTION
US10758686B2 (en) * 2017-01-31 2020-09-01 Altria Client Services Llc Aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating system
GB201704999D0 (en) * 2017-03-29 2017-05-10 British American Tobacco Investments Ltd Aerosol delivery system
WO2018215142A1 (fr) * 2017-05-23 2018-11-29 Philip Morris Products S.A. Dispositifs personnalisables pour plusieurs produits consommables

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